The City of Vancouver’s Pearson Field Runway Lighting & Electrical Replacement Project has been named the 2026 Washington Airport Management Association (WAMA) Project of the Year, recognizing a project that paired technical improvements with extraordinary teamwork, adaptability, and a commitment to safety.
Century West assisted the City of Vancouver with the project, which replaced the aging Runway 8-26 edge lighting system with a modern, energy-efficient LED system. The work included installing 8,500 feet of new underground cable and conduit, along with an emergency generator and regulators to strengthen the airport’s electrical reliability.
While the planned improvements were relatively straightforward, construction at Pearson Field proved to be anything but routine.
When History Resurfaced
Pearson Field is a historically significant site shaped in part by military activity during both World Wars. On just the second day of construction, that history unexpectedly resurfaced.
While trenching for the new lighting system, crews uncovered what appeared to be a World War I-era unexploded ordnance (UXO). The on-site archaeologist immediately halted work, beginning a coordinated response that ultimately involved the National Park Service and military officials.
The Oregon Air National Guard examined the object and performed a controlled on-site detonation. When construction resumed the following morning, two additional UXOs were discovered.
In total, three WWI-era Stokes mortars were found within a relatively small area. According to the National Guard, at least one was “likely not for training purposes,” suggesting it may have been a live explosive.
Century West worked with the City, National Park Service, and military officials to pause the project while a full UXO survey was completed. No additional explosives were found, the site was cleared, and construction was able to resume.
“This was definitely one of the more unusual starts to a project I’ve experienced,” said Lauryn Ryan, Project Engineer at Century West. “But I was proud of how quickly everyone responded and how smoothly things were handled. We had a solid protocol by Day 3.”
Preparation Meets Professionalism
The unexpected discoveries could easily have derailed a routine construction project. Instead, they became an example of the teamwork and adaptability that earned the project WAMA’s recognition.
Work stopped immediately when the first UXO was discovered, safety protocols took priority, and coordination among city, federal, and military partners allowed the team to respond quickly while protecting both people and the historically significant site.
As WAMA noted in presenting the award, the project demonstrated what can happen when “preparation meets professionalism,” highlighting adaptability in the face of unexpected conditions, strong partnerships across agencies, and a commitment to safety.
The award was presented to the City of Vancouver, Pearson Field, with Meredith Box accepting on behalf of the City.
Century West is proud to have been part of this memorable project and congratulates the City of Vancouver, Pearson Field, and everyone involved in earning the 2026 WAMA Project of the Year Award.