GEI Receives Silver Award for the Gay Head Lighthouse Relocation Project from ACEC Massachusetts

Boston, Mass. – March, 23, 2017 – GEI Consultants, Inc., one of the nation’s leading geotechnical, environmental, water resources, and ecological science and engineering firms, announced today that it has been recognized by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Massachusetts, receiving a Silver Award for the Gay Head Lighthouse Relocation project. The award was announced at the ACEC Massachusetts Annual Engineering Excellence Awards Gala.

As the Geotechnical Consultant for the project, GEI is proud to have contributed to the long-term safety of the 159-year-old Gay Head Lighthouse located in the Town of Aquinnah on Martha’s Vineyard. GEI’s work contributed to the study of the eroding cliffs, the evaluation and ultimate selection of the new location for the lighthouse, the design and construction of the haul path and new foundation, and restoration of the site after completion of the move.

“We’re happy to see the lighthouse moved to safety, before the effects of the cliff’s erosion could devastatingly effect a piece of history,” said Len Butler, Chair of the Save the Gay Head Lighthouse Advisory Committee.

In 2013, the National Trust for Historic Preservation designated the lighthouse as one of the 11 most endangered historic places in the country. But thanks to the efforts of community members and the team of experts who rallied to move the 465-ton, 160-year-old structure to safety, the lighthouse is no longer endangered.

The project has received national attention from media outlets and was showcased in the hour-long PBS NoVa documentary “Operation Lighthouse Rescue.”

About GEI: GEI’s multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and planners deliver integrated water resources, environmental, ecological, geotechnical and waterfront engineering solutions to diverse clientele nationwide. The firm has provided a broad range of consulting and engineering services on over 50,000 projects in 50 states and 22 countries. For more information on GEI, please visit www.geiconsultants.com.