Greensburg, Ind. — The American Public Works Association (APWA) Indiana Chapter recognized the City of Greensburg with two prestigious honors Wednesday during the annual Purdue Road School. The city’s Downtown Square Infrastructure Revitalization Project was named “Project of the Year Under $5 Million,” and Street Commissioner Mark Klosterkemper was named the APWA Indiana Chapter Public Works Leader of the Year.
The Public Works Leader of the Year award recognizes outstanding career achievements and a commitment to excellence in the public works profession. Unlike awards centered on a specific event, this honor focuses on Klosterkemper’s long-term dedication to public service and the Greensburg community. Mark has served as Street Commissioner for the City of Greensburg since 2008, bringing decades of experience in public service to the Street Department. During his tenure, Mark oversaw the construction of the new Street Department Facility, the development comprehensive strategic plans for street maintenance, and is the lead on working with the Indiana Department of Transportation for crucial funding for major road projects.
“I want to congratulate Mark Klosterkemper on being named Public Works Leader of the Year,” said Mayor Joshua Marsh. “His dedication to Greensburg is truly unmatched. Mark doesn’t just manage our streets, he cares deeply about the people who drive them. This recognition is a well-deserved testament to his career of impactful leadership and his unwavering focus on the safety and longevity of our city’s infrastructure.”
The APWA also celebrated the Downtown Square Infrastructure Revitalization Project, which focused on significant pedestrian, vehicle and stormwater infrastructure improvements to Washington and Franklin streets. The Project of the Year award highlights successful collaboration between the managing agency, consultants, and contractors. To qualify for this division, the award considers total costs—including engineering, land acquisition, and construction—staying under the $5 million threshold. The recognition extends to HWC Engineering for the downtown streetscape design and Schutte Excavating for the pavement work.
The Downtown Square Infrastructure Revitalization Project has been a primary municipal priority since 2020. By modernizing drainage, pavement, lighting, and electrical systems, the city has created a premier gathering space designed to attract visitors, residents, and new businesses alike.
Mayor Marsh added, “Seeing this project honored as Project of the Year underscores how vital these improvements are to our identity. We understand that large-scale construction can cause significant headaches for residents and business owners alike, but the final result, which is a beautiful, functional, and safe downtown, is absolutely worth the wait. This wasn’t just about paving streets; it was about investing in the heart of our community to ensure our downtown remains a vibrant and accessible hub for generations to come.”
The awards were presented during Purdue Road School, a tradition that dates back to 1913. Originally established to address the needs of county surveyors and city engineers, the conference was officially named the Purdue Road School in 1915 and remains the premier venue for the APWA Indiana Chapter’s annual industry awards.
