2026 Summer Intern

TKDA is proud to partner with the City of Porterville to design a forward-looking maintenance facility that supports the City's transition to a zero-emission fleet. The new 25,000-SF facility is being thoughtfully planned to meet the City's operational needs, including maintenance bays, parking, office areas, and breakrooms, while providing the flexibility to service both traditional and electric vehicles during the City's phased conversion to a zero-emission fleet by 2040. To enhance resilience and support the City's long-term sustainability goals, the facility will be connected to the City's microgrid. A microgrid is a localized energy system capable of generating, storing, and distributing electricity independently or while tied to the main utility grid. Microgrids are increasingly used to improve sustainability, manage energy costs, support electrification, and advance decarbonization initiatives. While microgrids often help manage peak loads, this facility's connection is being driven primarily by the need for operational continuity. During storms, natural disasters, grid failures, or brownouts, the microgrid will provide uninterrupted power by utilizing multiple potential energy sources, such as photovoltaics, battery storage, combined heat and power, or generator systems. This will allow essential operations at the maintenance facility to continue even when the broader grid is under stress, reflecting citywide efforts to strengthen resilience against energy disruptions. TKDA helps cities like Porterville lead the advancement of energy-resilient and sustainable infrastructure. Through innovative facility design and strategic energy integration, Tkda is committed to delivering solutions that support its clients' sustainability, electrification, and long-term operational goals.

TKDA projects earn two awards at ACEC/MN banquet. TKDA is proud to announce two aviation projects were recognized at the American Council of Engineering Companies of Minnesota's Engineering Excellence Banquet. This annual banquet recognizes engineering firms and their clients on successful projects that provide value to the community while demonstrating a high level of creativity and innovation. Both awards highlight our commitment to delivering safe and efficient infrastructure that strengthens Minnesota's aviation system. From major commercial hubs to regional airports, we provide resilient aviation planning and design solutions. Runway 12L-30R Reconstruction wins Grand Award. The Runway 12L-30R Reconstruction at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport received a Grand Award. When water did not drain properly and ponded at the intersection of Runways 12L-30R and 4-22, there was a significant aircraft safety concern at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. To address the poor friction and drainage conditions, we collaborated with the Metropolitan Airports Commission on a full reconstruction of the intersection. Closing Runway 12L-30R doesn't occur often, so the design team completed several maintenance projects during the closure. Overall, the project adopted an aggressive schedule limited to 16 weeks to minimize airport impacts during certain weather conditions, requiring the contractors to work long hours and weekends. Considerable collaboration, precise design, and diligent construction management helped maintain ongoing airport operations and complete this project to foster a safer condition for passengers. Snow Removal Equipment Building wins Honor Award. We also received an Honor Award for our design of the Snow Removal Equipment Building at the Southwest Minnesota Regional Airport in Marshall, Minnesota. After completing a Master Plan for Southwest Minnesota Regional Airport, the City of Marshall identified a location for future terminal area development. The first project was a 7,500-SF snow removal equipment facility to store snow removal and lawn care equipment and raw materials, which is essential to maintaining runways and airport property. TKDA provided comprehensive planning, design, and construction phase services for the facility, featuring three vehicle/equipment bays, office and breakroom spaces, restrooms, mechanical and electrical rooms, and a storage mezzanine to maximize the use of interior space. By collaborating with City officials, the Airport Commission, and the FAA, TKDA prepared a funding plan outlining the funding source proportions and allocations. This facility marks a major investment in safety, efficiency, and growth for the region.