Several of our engineers and scientists were on hand to receive the “Steady State” Contractor of the Year Award from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) at the annual Association of Montana Floodplain Managers conference in Great Falls.
 
This award recognizes high-quality work in partnership with the Montana DNRC to manage and restore natural resources. The “Steady State” award recognized Morrison-Maierle’s team of engineers and scientists for their professionalism, timely project delivery, and collaborative support in navigating challenges throughout the past year.

engineers receiving an award
Pictured from left: Kyle Butler, Vanessa Hoene, Doug Brugger (Montana DNRC), and Luke Carlson at the award presentation during the Association of Montana Floodplain Managers conference.

Doug Brugger, Montana DNRC Bureau Chief of Floodplains and Dam Safety, presented the award and cited Morrison-Maierle’s professionalism and support while navigating challenges on two significant projects: the Bighorn, Treasure, and Rosebud Countywide Modernization Project and the Upper Yellowstone Phase 1 – Shields River and Tributaries Project.

Bighorn, Treasure, and Rosebud Countywide Modernization
This major floodplain modernization effort involved a new floodplain insurance study covering approximately 160 miles of the Bighorn River, Tongue River, and Yellowstone River, as well as roughly 160 miles of tributaries. The project used 1D and 2D hydraulic modeling methods to precisely define flood risks for area communities. Morrison-Maierle’s team also produced updated floodplain mapping for planned Flood Insurance Rate Map revisions, helping to inform the public of flood risks and support effective floodplain management strategies. Additional flood risk products and floodplain mitigation assessments were prepared to support public outreach and develop conceptual alternatives aimed at reducing flood risks for affected communities.

Upper Yellowstone Phase 1 – Shields River and Tributaries
The Shields River Watershed project encompassed a new floodplain insurance study for approximately 62 miles of the Shields River and around 200 miles of its tributaries. The team performed hydraulic modeling using 1D and 2D methods to develop new enhanced-level studies of the Shields River and many of its tributaries. Additionally, the team used 1D hydraulic modeling to complete new Base Level Engineering studies for approximately 35 miles of rural tributaries.

Both projects reflect the breadth and technical depth of Morrison-Maierle’s floodplain engineering work across Montana and the dedication that earned this well-deserved recognition.

Congratulations to the following Morrison-Maierle employee-owners on this outstanding achievement: Luke Carlson, Project Manager; Vanessa Hoene, Technical Lead/Assistant Project Manager; Breanne Carr, Jeff Saporito, Kyle Butler, Lane Urick, Andrea Price, Reid Smith, Mark Dose, Hayden Massar, Tim Lowman, Steve Lowman, and John C. Heine.