COVID-19 has been impactful on us as individuals, families, businesses and as a community.
Along with its challenges, 2020 was also a year of impressive accomplishments by our employees and significant progress on key infrastructure projects. To highlight these achievements, here's a list of Provo City's Top 10 Accomplishments (in no specific order):
10. New Routes Announced for the Provo City Airport
Two new destination routes were announced to both Denver and Orange County as a result of the current construction of a new 65,000 square foot terminal with four new gates.
Anticipated completion in Spring 2022.
9. Completion of Fire Station 22
On 9/11, Fire Station 22 was dedicated as the first new fire station in 20 years. Of honoring our local heroes on this solemn day, Mayor Kaufusi said, “Our first responders are heroes who put their lives on the line to protect others. What better occasion than Patriot Day to honor those who run in while others are running out.”
8. Police Chief of the Year Award
With his wife Sally by his side, Chief Rich Ferguson was honored with the Police Chief of the Year award from the Utah State Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).
Chief Ferguson started his law enforcement career in Provo in 1991 and was appointed Chief of Police in September 2017. Of the award the FOP said, “Chief Richard Ferguson has always been a leader. From his days in Major Crimes to rising through the ranks, he has always been a positive role model to those above him and below.”
7. City Manager of the Year Award
Three Provo Mayors have worked with Chief Administrative Officer Wayne Parker, and agree he has been invaluable to Provo’s success. His accomplishments in local government were noticed with the 2020 Award for Career Excellence by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).
6. Timpanogos Golf Club
East Bay Golf Course received a state-of-the-art redesign and restoration of its original name: Timpanogos Golf Club. The new course brings golf to all ages and skill levels while preserving Provo’s history.
5. Provo Parks and Recreation Accreditation
Provo Parks and Recreation earned and achieved some noteworthy recognition during these difficult times. Their department was named “Best in State” for all Parks and Recreation agencies in Utah. In addition, Provo Parks and Recreation achieved full department accreditation, the rarest of all distinctions in this industry. The accreditation review is an extensive process with the award given at the National Recreation and Parks Association “Best of the Best” Ceremony. This is right where Provo Parks and Recreation wants to be positioned. Provo Parks and Recreation actually received awards and improved during a pandemic!
4. Wastewater Treatment Facility Upgrade
Constructed in 1956 and requiring a major upgrade in 1978, the existing treatment plant will be completely reconstructed in phases over the next 15 years. Not only will it meet new state and federal environmental regulations, but it will have the same state-of-the-art technology used in advanced treatment plants in Southwestern United States and throughout the world.
3. New Provo City Center Construction Project
Construction of the Provo City Center remains on budget and on schedule. The pandemic has made large crew management difficult and many supply chains are not as reliable. Working with our design team, VCBO Architecture, and general contractor, Layton Construction, the focus has stayed on quality and efficient construction management. This beautiful and effective building will be a net result of these committed efforts.
Anticipated completion in Summer 2022.
2. Provo Kindness
With the unrest and uncertainly of 2020, extra kindness is something we can all use! In September, Provo City, along with several members of the Provo School Board and interested citizens, launched Provo Kindness as a way to help us connect better as neighbors, friends and even strangers. Be a part of building a culture of kindness by following them on Instagram and Facebook or online at provokindness.org.
1. All lanes open on 500 West
While it’s been a long process, it was a wise investment. Not only do we have new underground utilities, but choosing a concrete surface, while extending construction time, translates to a much-longer infrastructure life and ultimately, taxpayer savings. In addition, it is due to our strong partnership with UDOT that we are able to add significant safety enhancements like protected bike lanes, landscaped center medians, where possible and new traffic control devices. This stretch of US 89 through Provo will last longer, function better for all modes and be more pleasant for everyone.