LaBella Receives Three Honors at the American Public Works Association New York Chapter Statewide Awards Banquet!
LaBella is proud to share that two projects and one distinguished leader were recognized at the American Public Works Association (APWA) New York Chapter Awards Banquet during the 2026 Annual Conference in Utica, New York.
- From the Western Branch, the Allegany County Department of Public Works – CR 26 Emergency Response & Bridge Replacement project received the Project of the Year Award in the Disaster or Emergency Construction/Repair $5M-25M category.
- From the Capital Branch, the Great Sacandaga Lake Fire District – New Northville Firehouse project was awarded the Project of the Year Award in the Structures $5M-25M category.
The APWA Public Works Project of the Year Award was established to promote excellence in the management, administration, and implementation of public works projects by recognizing the alliance between the managing agency, the consultant, and the contractor.
Additionally, LaBella’s Jacob Bower, PE, received the Myron Calkins Young Leader of the Year award, which was established to recognize young APWA members who have demonstrated an initial commitment to the profession and the association and show potential for future growth within the association.
These honors highlight the impact that strong partnerships and thoughtful planning have on the communities we serve.
Scroll down to learn more about each award winner!
Project of the Year – Disaster or Emergency Construction/Repair $5-$25 Million Category
Allegany County Department of Public Works – CR 26 Emergency Response & Bridge Replacement
The CR 26 Bridge over the Genesee River in Belfast, New York, serves as the only river crossing for nearly a dozen miles, providing important access for residents, businesses, schools, and emergency services.
A critical structural failure posed an immediate threat to public safety and regional connectivity. Allegany County DPW, in coordination with LaBella, initiated an emergency response, including rapid assessment, temporary stabilization, and ongoing monitoring, culminating in the closure, removal, and replacement of the unsafe structure.
Full Project Details
Project of the Year – Structures $5-$25 Million Category
Great Sacandaga Lake Fire District – New Northville Firehouse
Located in a small, rural Adirondack Park community, the new Northville Firehouse represents a critical upgrade in public safety infrastructure for the region. Designed with both operational efficiency and community integration in mind, the firehouse provides a modern, resilient home for fire and emergency response services that honors the historic context of the late 19th- and early 20th-century architecture that lines the historic South Main Street.
Full Project Details
Myron Calkins Young Leader of the Year
Jacob Bower, PE – Civil Engineer
Jake exemplifies the innovation, professionalism, and leadership that define the next generation of engineering excellence. His technical acumen, collaborative approach, and community-centered design support his work across high-impact municipal and shoreline resilience projects.
Jake is a member of APWA and the American Society of Civil Engineers. He routinely presents his experience as an engineer to University at Buffalo students. He is also an annual participant on LaBella’s 11-Day Power Play team in a hockey game fundraiser benefiting those affected by cancer.
