The City of Abilene is proud to share that the Department of Public Works’ Stormwater Services division has been recognized as a finalist for the Texas Environmental Excellence Award with its Integrated Curb and Gutter Maintenance Program.
The award was presented to City of Abilene Stormwater Services Manager Srinivas Valavala at the Environmental Trade Fair and Conference held in Austin May 16 and 17, 2023.
Abilene’s innovative Integrated Curb and Gutter Maintenance Program was launched in June 2020, with the commissioning of four new Dulevo street sweepers customized with equipment allowing operators to spray and kill vegetation growing along curbsides and within gutters, targeting two different maintenance activities in one shot. This was the first time any such integrated program was implemented across the state of Texas.
Since its inception, an estimated 25,650 cubic yards of pollutant debris has been kept from entering local waterways because of the Integrated Curb and Gutter Maintenance Program, resulting in improved water quality, and clearing a 10-year backlog of work to improve and further protect Abilene streets from deterioration.
The Texas Environmental Excellence Award (TEEA) is the state’s highest environmental honor, recognizing achievements in environmental preservation and protection across the State of Texas since 1993.
The City of Abilene’s Integrated Curb and Gutter Maintenance Program was also awarded the 2021 Texas Public Works Association Management Innovation award.