Gov. Bob Ferguson honored the WSDOT engineer who helped reopen U.S. 2 through Tumwater Canyon after catastrophic flooding. Jacob Cunnington was among 26 public servants who received Governor's Outstanding Leadership Awards at the Executive Mansion in Olympia on Monday, Oct. 26.

Ferguson said the honorees represent "just a few examples of our many dedicated state workers," according to the governor's office.

The ceremony, held on the Capitol Campus where many of the honorees work, recognized managers from multiple state agencies, Everett Community College, Washington State University Vancouver and WSU's Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine.

Cunnington's "technical expertise, decisive action, and collaboration helped reopen the highway a month ahead of schedule, restoring vital access for residents, businesses, and emergency services," the governor's citation stated.

The flooding struck in mid-December 2025. WSDOT closed U.S. 2 between Index and Coles Corner on Dec. 10, 2025, and extended the closure to Tumwater Canyon the next day, according to Lake Chelan Now.

Emergency work on the canyon section began Dec. 23, 2025. Pipkin Construction served as the emergency contractor, working around the clock on slope rebuilding, drainage restoration, guardrail installation and paving.

A 50-mile stretch of U.S. 2 between Skykomish and Leavenworth had been closed. The flooding inflicted at least $40 million to $50 million in damage to state highways, with U.S. 2 hit hardest, the Washington State Standard reported in February.

State Transportation Secretary Julie Meredith said at the time that more than 16 areas along the stretch were washed out or damaged. Parts of the highway collapsed entirely.

Two-way traffic through Tumwater Canyon resumed Feb. 10, more than a month ahead of schedule.

The governor's citation noted that Cunnington also mentored new engineers and prioritized team well-being during the response, despite workforce shortages and continual staffing changes.

Two other WSDOT employees also received awards. Edward Barry led the Toll Division through expansion and helped develop a low-income toll program. MaryLou Shannon oversees a regional construction program with more than $1 billion in infrastructure investments.

Ferguson presented the awards at a luncheon, according to WSU Insider.

The Governor's Outstanding Leadership Awards were created in 1985 by Gov. Booth Gardner to recognize state employees who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to public service.