The project’s origins can be traced back to the City’s proactive planning efforts. The 2018 Nancy Creek Watershed Improvement Plan (WIP) had identified numerous stormwater infrastructure needs, and the City had compiled an extensive list of stormwater Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) that would otherwise be funded through its annual Repairs and Maintenance Budget. Once the ARPA funds were secured, the City’s Stormwater Department moved swiftly, establishing a comprehensive “CIP Score” system to prioritize projects based on need, safety, and impact. This prioritization process enabled the City to focus on a mix of critical stormwater infrastructure needs, including pond retrofits, streambank restorations, and pipe replacements.

The City’s strategy for project execution was designed to maximize efficiency and minimize delays. By focusing on stormwater projects located in the City-owned Right-of-Way (ROW), the City was able to bypass the often lengthy process of acquiring easements on private property. This streamlined approach allowed the City to avoid costly delays and concentrate on the most urgent areas. Another key component of the City’s approach was the use of Unit Price Contracts (UPC), which enabled the City to establish partnerships with five construction firms and four engineering design firms on an on-call basis. This innovative contracting method allowed the City to avoid repetitive bidding cycles and secure favorable pricing with pre-defined annual inflation rates. The Unit Price Contracts provided a flexible and responsive framework, ensuring that work could begin quickly while maintaining cost controls.

To oversee the execution of this complex series of projects, the City of Dunwoody created a new Project Manager position in February 2022, funded by ARPA. Lowe Engineers staffed this role, bringing in a highly qualified project manager to coordinate the work of the selected contractors and engineering firms. The Project Manager played a critical role in ensuring that each firm was assigned tasks aligned with its expertise, tracking progress, generating reports for City leadership, and regularly engaging with the public to communicate the value of the projects. This role proved instrumental in maintaining the project’s momentum, ensuring transparency, and fostering a sense of public trust.

Lowe Engineers, tasked with leading the technical aspects of the project, developed a detailed and actionable rehabilitation plan. Their team’s strategy began with a thorough assessment of the City’s existing stormwater infrastructure, including mapping failing pipes, analyzing existing conditions, and evaluating a variety of repair and rehabilitation technologies. By leveraging trenchless rehabilitation methods where possible, Lowe Engineers minimized disruption to the community while maximizing efficiency. These methods, along with more traditional pipe replacement techniques, were selected based on the size, condition, and location of each segment of the stormwater system. This tailored approach enabled the team to deliver long-lasting solutions that met the unique challenges of each project.

The rehabilitation of 10,560 linear feet of stormwater pipes has had a significant and positive impact on the City of Dunwoody. The newly repaired infrastructure is expected to last for over 40 years, providing substantial benefits to the community, including reduced flooding risks, minimized chances of sinkholes, and the prevention of property damage. The improved stormwater system has also ensured the uninterrupted operation of businesses, safeguarding commercial activities in the City. In addition to these traditional stormwater rehabilitation efforts, the City and Lowe Engineers took the opportunity to invest in green infrastructure. At the Dunwoody Nature Center, the team addressed a significant erosion issue caused by stormwater runoff. This effort involved designing and implementing a system of weir walls to dissipate high-energy flows, which had been damaging the forest floor. A bioretention system was also installed to manage stormwater naturally, contributing to the sustainability of the surrounding ecosystem and enhancing the City’s commitment to environmentally friendly infrastructure solutions.

The challenges encountered during the project were significant. Unmarked utilities, buried debris, and weather-related delays tested the resilience and adaptability of the project team. However, the City’s proactive planning and Lowe Engineers’ expertise allowed them to navigate these issues without major setbacks. The team’s careful planning, constant communication, and ability to pivot when unforeseen circumstances arose were key to keeping the project on track. The use of on-call contractors and engineering design firms proved to be a significant advantage, allowing the City to respond to challenges as they arose and maintain a high level of project quality.

In terms of broader impact, this project demonstrates the power of forward-thinking planning and efficient use of federal funding. By having a comprehensive plan in place prior to receiving ARPA funds, the City of Dunwoody was ready to act immediately, seizing the opportunity to rehabilitate its stormwater infrastructure. The project serves as a model for other municipalities seeking to efficiently and effectively utilize federal funding for critical infrastructure needs. The collaboration between the City and Lowe Engineers created an efficient and responsive framework that delivered high-impact results in a short timeframe.

In July 2024, the success of this stormwater rehabilitation project will be highlighted at the Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) Annual Conference, where Lowe Engineers has been selected to present the project. This recognition underscores the project’s success and its significance within the broader context of water management in Georgia. Through this effort, the City of Dunwoody and Lowe Engineers have demonstrated what can be achieved when thoughtful planning, innovative solutions, and efficient execution come together to address critical infrastructure challenges.