Composites was acknowledged with the USACE 2025 Innovation of the Year Award in recognition of exceptional contributions in the discovery, development, and successful implementation of innovative technologies that advance the mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The recognition was for the recent W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam Spillway Gate Replacement Project in Florida. This was a groundbreaking step in the modernization of U.S. water infrastructure. Through this collaboration, ACMA member CMS Infrastructure and other key ACMA members, demonstrated how innovative materials and engineering can extend asset life, reduce maintenance needs, and contribute to long-term sustainability across North America.
ACMA’s Composites Growth Initiative has been collaborating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for many years now. This project started with an exploratory mission, led by ACMA’s CGI Staff, to the W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam Spillway in Ft. Myers, Florida at the invitation of Jacksonville District and South Atlantic Division to introduce a team of over 20 ACMA members on the replacement of the components on this spillway with FRP composites. Collaboration with the Inland Navigation Design Center was key to educating USACE engineers on FRP composites. The USACE has mandated the Corps Districts to consider alternative materials such as FRP composites when considering design and facility equipment replacements because of the many benefits that composites bring to applications, most importantly extended service life with minimal maintenance in very aggressive climate and environments that often deteriorate traditional construction materials. Over the past several years, with support of ACMA member companies, ACMA has educated and instructed dozens of USACE engineers, technicians and other field personnel with the Certified Composites Technician (CCT) Program.