FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The City of Springfield departments of Public Works and Environmental Services have been reaccredited by the American Public Works Association (APWA) – achieving 100% compliance.
The reaccreditation certifies the departments met all requirements of the best management practices established nationally in the public works industry. Only 1% of communities across the country have attained this distinction. Springfield is one of 9 agencies in the state of Missouri that is currently accredited.
“APWA is a great organization for taking a knowledge base from entities all over the country and compiling what has proven to work best,” says Public Works Director Dan Smith. “Our APWA reaccreditation recognizes our departments’ continuing efforts to go above and beyond national standards to provide the best possible services to our citizens.”
Springfield Public Works and Environmental Services first achieved accreditation by APWA in June 2013.
The departments will celebrate the awarding of the reaccreditation with a reception at 4:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 2 in the Busch Municipal Building lobby followed by recognition at Monday evening’s City Council Meeting.
“The true heroes of this prestigious award are the dedicated Public Works and Environmental Services staff who work daily to provide the best services and improve the quality of life in Springfield,” adds Environmental Services Director Steve Meyer.
About Public Works and Environmental Services
In Springfield, traditional public works responsibilities are split between the departments of Public Works and Environmental Services.
Springfield’s Public Works Department manages more than 1,700 lane miles of roadways, 139 traffic signals and 38,000 traffic and street signs while also managing Hazelwood Municipal Cemetery, caring for the urban tree canopy and maintaining the city’s stormwater infrastructure.
The city’s Environmental Services Department is in charge of more than 1,200 miles of sanitary sewers, guiding wastewater to the city’s two treatment plants which process an average of 40 million gallons per day. Environmental Services staff also manage solid waste and recycling programs, air quality control and environmental compliance activities.
Both departments have long held a reputation for leadership, innovation and environmental stewardship.
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For more information, contact: Cora Scott, Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement, 417-864-1009 (office) | 417-380-3352 (cell), [email protected]