CP&Y, an STV Company, along with partner Pape-Dawson Engineers, Inc., and contractor, Garney Construction was honored at the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Texas Chapter’s Engineering Excellence Awards for the team’s role supporting the design and construction of the Vista Ridge Regional Supply Project (VRRSP) – which was named the state’s overall Project of the Year winner, as well as the Water/Wastewater Project of the Year.
CP&Y and Pape-Dawson served as the engineer-of-record while Garney was the contractor for this transformative design-build program.
At the time of its completion in April 2020, the VRRSP was the largest public-private partnership (P3) water project in North America. The project consists of a well field in Burleson County, three booster pump stations, four ground storage tanks, and a 142-mile transmission pipeline that conveys potable water from Burleson County to San Antonio. The project was monumental in terms of size, timeframe, material procurement, and design restrictions that necessitated a unique approach for concurrent construction while the land acquisition phase was still in its infancy. This approach allowed the project team to deliver the project from conception to water production within 4.5 years and under budget.
“This project provides a critical new water source to sustain San Antonio’s anticipated growth, supports the success of businesses in the community, and attracts new industries to the area,” said Marisa Vergara, P.E., senior vice president and water practice director. “Vista Ridge has set the standard for using P3 financing to develop water supply projects of this magnitude. It was an honor to be able to be a part of this historic project and that will have a significant impact on the communities we serve for future generations.”
The project footprint extended over seven Texas counties; federal, state, and multiple municipal jurisdictions; and private utility and railroad rights-of-way, resulting in more than 300 design and construction permits. The project team redefined best practices for fast-paced design-build water supply projects, following rigorous design procedures to balance easement acquisition, environmental permitting, and water system design and analysis. Many of the complexities the project overcame are serving as the new mode for reviewing and managing projects going forward.
Overall, the VRRSP is expected to expand San Antonio’s water supply by 20 percent – or 16.3 billion gallons annually for the next 30 years and beyond – aid in protecting the Edwards Aquifer, prepare for drought, and support future growth across communities.
