The City of Springfield is celebrating National Public Works Week May 20 – 26 by releasing its 2017 Public Works Annual Report and with various events aimed at honoring the vital role public works services play in advancing quality of life in our community. The report includes a budget breakdown for fiscal year 2017, data from a recent pedestrian crash study, and details transportation improvement projects completed and in progress.
“The Power of Public Works” is the theme for 2018’s National Public Works Week, reflecting the impact the many facets of public works have on modern civilization. From providing clean water to disposing of solid waste, to building roads and bridges, to removing snow on roadways or devising emergency management strategies, public works services determine a society’s quality of life.
“Public Works Week is dedicated to those exceptional individuals who serve their community by maintaining the services that we often take for granted,” says Environmental Services Director Errin Kemper. “Springfield’s solid public infrastructure is the fundamental building block that sustains us as a City and these men and women should be commended for dedicating their careers to their community.”
In Springfield, traditional public works responsibilities are split between the departments of Public Works and Environmental Services.
“We are excited to share our Annual Report as a small snapshot of the accomplishments of our department in 2017,” says Public Works Director Dan Smith. “I couldn’t be more proud of the employees of Springfield Public Works and the level of service we provide to the community.”
About Springfield Public Works and Environmental Services
Springfield’s Public Works Department manages more than 1,700 lane miles of roadways, 140 traffic signals and 38,000 traffic and street signs while also managing Hazelwood Municipal Cemetery and caring for the urban tree canopy.
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.
In 2017, Public Works and Environmental Services collectively achieved reaccreditation from 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 one percent of communities across the country have attained this distinction. Springfield Public Works and Environmental Services first achieved accreditation by APWA in June 2013.
About National Public Works Week
Since 1960, the American Public Works Association has sponsored National Public Works Week as a way to energize and educate the public on the importance of the contribution of public works to their daily lives.
“Every year National Public Works Week gets bigger and better. The number of participating municipalities continues to grow, which means the number of citizens who are exposed to the value of public works grows. At APWA, one of our main goals is to educate the general public about the value and necessities of public works projects throughout North America, and public works professionals are our best ambassadors,” according to apwa.net.
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For more information, contact Communication Coordinator Kristen Milam at 573-819-3713 or [email protected].