The City of Centennial received two awards at the 2011 American Public Works Association (APWA) Colorado Chapter Annual Luncheon today. Centennial was recognized in the category of Engineering/Construction Management for Infrastructure Upgrades and Opening Support for IKEA Centennial and for the Energy-Saving Transportation Plan in the category of Environmental Design - Maintenance - Operation for Energy.

The grand opening of IKEA Centennial was a success. In part due to the early completion of all infrastructure projects related to the development of this new store. In late 2008, Centennial began preparing for the construction and opening of the new IKEA store. The City worked closely with IKEA on site plan approval and coordination with the project partners: Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority, Southgate Water and Sanitation District, Arapahoe County, RTD, CDOT and Douglas County to support the 415,000 square foot store located on an 11 acre site. The City planned and implemented regional infrastructure improvements in 2010, to support local residents and businesses in the surrounding area.

Last year, Centennial received an entitlement of nearly $1 million in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG) funds from the US Department of Energy (DOE) for use in energy-conservation projects. To promote the sustainability initiative of the City of Centennial's Our Voice. Our Vision. Centennial 2030 guiding document, the City utilized a portion of these grant funds, with no local match required, to replace nearly 1700 incandescent bulbs at 37 traffic signal with light-emitting diode (LED) indications and converted 17 school flashing beacons to solar power and LED indications.

"The City of Centennial and our regional partners are very pleased to be recognized for these projects. Each project demonstrates the outcome of successful partnerships. The City continues to take pride in improving infrastructure and safety for our residents. These projects were completed on time and within budget and have a great benefit to the community," says Mayor Cathy Noon.

The City of Centennial's LED Energy-Savings Project will result in an annual reduction in electricity consumption of approximately 570,000 kWH and an annual savings in energy costs of more than $30,000. As a result of this project, all traffic and pedestrian indications at the City's 72 signals are 100% LED and all school flashing beacons are solar powered and 100% LED. Based on material, installation, maintenance and energy costs, the City estimates the payback on the LEDs (assuming a minimum five-year life expectancy of the LEDs) to be 1.8 years. Additionally, the City anticipates driver and pedestrian safety will increase due to the improved visibility of the LEDs and the countdown feature of the pedestrian modules.