Governor's Award
2020-21 Finalists
These projects represent creative initiatives that foster the economic vitality and long-term sustainability of Arizona’s future. Encompass projects, public policies and/or collaborative efforts that make Arizona a better place to live, work and play.
The winners will be announced at the 40th Annual Environmental Excellence Awards gala presented by SRP on March 19, 2022.
Arizona Water Blueprint
The Arizona Water Blueprint addresses Arizonans’ need for comprehensible, accurate, non-partisan and detailed information about Arizona water resources and policy, empowering inclusive and informed decision-making about the state’s water future. The heart of the Blueprint is an interactive map comprising 56 discrete data layers. With just a few clicks, a user can explore Arizona’s water resources and infrastructure, download data specific to a particular geography and visualize how different features and datasets are related. The Blueprint is being used in local and statewide planning discussions as well as in high school and university classrooms. ASU Kyl Center for Water Policy, ASU Morrison Institute for Public Policy
Coconino County Forest Restoration Initiative
In 2017, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors identified catastrophic wildfires and post wildfire flooding as the number one public safety risk for the citizens and the environment in Coconino County. As a results, the Coconino County Flood Control District (FCD) developed a county-wide Forest Restoration Initiative in response to the devastating impacts of catastrophic wildfires and post-wildfire flooding, protecting the forests and economic vitality of northern Arizona, safety of all citizens. The initiative can be a state-wide model of collaborative, forward-thinking policy in action. Coconino County Flood Control District
Conserve and Protect Golden Ale
Conserve and Protect Golden Ale is a public-private collaboration between Mother Road Brewing Company and the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Conserve and Protect Golden Ale is one of Mother Road’s mainline beers which supports the Arizona Game and Fish Department. A portion of the proceeds from every pint goes toward on-the-ground wildlife conservation. The can artwork and programming promote the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s “Conservation Membership Packages,” a new revenue stream for the department’s on-the-ground conservation work – protecting over 800 unique species of wildlife. Mother Road Brewing Co., Arizona Game and Fish Department
Innovative Water Conservation and Sustainability
The Innovative Water Conservation and Sustainability Partnership focuses on cost-effective, innovative technology to sustain agriculture and save water. The Partnership uses N-Drip technology – low pressure, gravity-powered micro-irrigation coupled with real-time soil moisture management – applied to Colorado River Indian Tribes farms. N-Drip fields averaged 50% lower water deliveries with the same or slightly higher crop yields as traditional flood irrigated fields, protecting soil health without additional water delivery infrastructure or pumping. Central Arizona Project, N-Drip
Optima Kierland Center
Optima Kierland Center is a 21st century urban solution to residential design located in Scottsdale. Beautifully landscaped luxury residential buildings are located on the 9.5-acre site, with more than 5.5-acres of landscaped open space with drought resistant plants on the ground level creating a park-like setting for the community while reducing ambient temperature and mitigating the heat island effect. Optima Inc., J. Lauren PR
Phoenix Household Hazardous Waste
During Covid, through research and analysis of other municipal household hazardous waste programs, the City of Phoenix staff decided to pilot a socially distant option – home collection. Within the first month, the city received over 1,000 resident requests for service. The success rate of the pilot program was unprecedented; 97% of participants reported home collection is their preferred collection method, and that Phoenix has made it easier and more convenient for them to protect the environmental and their community. City of Phoenix – Public Works
Pinal Valley Recharge and Recovery Facility
The Pinal Valley Recharge and Recovery Facility (PVRRF), a groundwater storage facility located in an important and highly used groundwater basin in Pinal County, represents a grand partnership between multiple jurisdictions and private enterprise. The PVRRF is the most recent element of a comprehensive water resource strategy to make sure water does not become a barrier to the cities of Coolidge and Casa Grande who are building the enduring communities that embody the quality of life we have come to expect as Arizonans. PVRRF is the first facility of its kind in central Pinal County and acts as a bridge to the future, creating a path for stabilizing groundwater resources and creating new water supplies for future use. Arizona Water Company, Hunter Contracting, Carollo Engineers, Clear Creek and Assoc., City of Coolidge, City of Casa Grande, Central Arizona Project
SkySong – The ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center
SkySong, the ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center is a model of public-private-university collaboration, a partnership between Plaza Companies, Holualoa Companies, ASU University Realty and the City of Scottsdale. With more than 9,000 employees expected to be on site at buildout, SkySong has received national and global recognition as a center for innovation and entrepreneurship. The project is estimated to generate more than $58 billion in economic impact over 30 years and has attracted dozens of companies from across the region, nation, and the world. Plaza Companies, ON Advertising, Holualoa Companies, University Reality
The Grand at Papago Park Center
Speaking at the Roosevelt Dam dedication ceremony in 1911, Theodore Roosevelt said, “Great things will take place in the Salt River Valley due to this project.” President Roosevelt was right. The purpose of The Grand at Papago Park Center is to pay tribute to two of the most important improvements constructed in Arizona – the Roosevelt Dam and the Grand Canal. The Roosevelt Dam Feature (RDF) celebrates the original Theodore Roosevelt Dam. Its stepped, chiseled walls evoke the unique character of the original stone block construction at the dam, and its surges of water at each end mimic outflows of water at the original dam’s spillways. Designed to make a memorable impact with minimal water use, the RDF demonstrates an awareness of sustainability and inspires solutions for the use of water in the built environment. Papago Park Center
Twin Peaks/Blue Bonnet Gravity Sewer Project
The Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department and its design-build team successfully completed the design and construction of the Twin Peaks/Blue Bonnet Gravity Sewer project. This project consists of a new 4.8 mile long 15″ gravity interceptor sewer main residing within the Town of Marana and Unincorporated Pima County. The project eliminated the need for the Tangerine Pump Station and Sewer Force Main, allowing the County to repurpose the site into an odor control facility. Pima County, Engineering and Environmental Consultants, Town of Marana
West Maricopa Education Center
The goals of this campus were to change the perception of career and technical education, including its operational look, and to bring pride and beauty to the community through unique building materials, sustainable design, and functional learning environments. The programs offered at the Education Center stimulate economic activity, expand opportunities to the residents of the North and West Valley and provide a path for students and adults to become active participants in society. West Maricopa Education Center
