Garver honored with ACEC Arkansas Engineering Excellence Award

Garver was recognized with top honors at the 2026 ACEC Arkansas Engineering Excellence Awards Gala, celebrating innovative projects that strengthen infrastructure and improve communities across the state. Leading the firm’s achievements was the award for its development of the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) Project Dashboard — a first-of-its-kind solution transforming how the agency manages and communicates construction project data.

Facing growing demands for accessible, accurate, and timely project information, ARDOT had long navigated data that was spread across spreadsheets, databases, and multiple software tools. This decentralized system slowed internal decision-making and created barriers for public transparency.

To solve this challenge, ARDOT partnered with Garver — serving as prime consultant — to develop a centralized Project Dashboard. The dashboard integrates real-time data on contracts, timelines, budgets, and project progress into a single intuitive platform accessible to officials and the public alike.

By consolidating complex data streams into one clear, easy-to-use system, the dashboard enhances accountability, simplifies reporting, and sets a new transparency benchmark for state transportation departments. ARDOT commissioners have praised the tool for its ability to transform large-scale data into meaningful insights and for elevating public trust through greater clarity and visibility.

“ARDOT is one of Garver’s longest-tenured partners and supporting their mission to deliver critical infrastructure to the people of Arkansas is something we take pride in every day,” said Director of Enterprise Solutions Jerry Holder. “We’re constantly looking for more efficient, innovative ways to help them serve the state, and the Project Dashboard is a great example of that commitment. We’re proud to have played a role in developing this tool — and even more proud that our peers recognized its impact.”

In addition to the award for the ARDOT Project Dashboard, Garver earned three Honor Awards across water and transportation categories:

• Ebbing Air National Guard Base Stormwater Master Plan (Studies) Garver developed a comprehensive stormwater master plan that combined advanced hydraulic modeling, innovative design strategies, and collaborative planning to support regulatory compliance and long-term development at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, ensuring the installation is equipped to manage current and future drainage challenges.
• Fourche Creek Scour Repair (Structural Systems) Through innovative design and swift coordination, Garver delivered critical scour repairs along Fourche Creek, restoring structural integrity, improving safety, and mitigating the risks of future scour along an essential transportation corridor that connects the Port of Little Rock, Clinton National Airport, and major freight routes.
• Highway 167 Emergency Bypass (Small Projects) In response to frequent accidents, Garver designed an emergency bypass for Highway 167 near Ramsey Mountain, reducing lengthy delays during highway closures and demonstrating the firm’s ability to prioritize public safety through creative design to deliver impactful results on a small scale. 

Garver’s recognition from ACEC Arkansas reflects its deep-rooted partnership with agencies, municipalities, and military installations across the state. From digital transformation to emergency response, the firm continues to apply technical expertise and innovation to projects that enhance infrastructure and improve everyday life for Arkansans.