FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Departments were recognized for eight public works industry model practices.
The City of Springfield departments of Public Works and Environmental Services have been collectively 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 eight 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 and were reaccredited in 2017.
During the 2021 reaccreditation process, eight items in Springfield were highlighted by APWA as “model practices.” These are shared across the country with agencies going through the self-assessment process and wish to learn how to best implement a process within their departments. Model practices highlighted include Springfield’s Emergency Operations Manual, Capital Improvement Programming, and Recycling program.
“Especially during this challenging time with the pandemic, this is a phenomenal achievement for the City of Springfield and the community you serve,” explains Joe Johnson, National Board of APWA, Region 6 Director. “By obtaining accreditation it improves the trust and accountability of the City and reflects that these public works agencies are well managed and operate proactively. You are to be commended and congratulations on a job well done.”
“The true heroes of this achievement are the dedicated Environmental Services and Public Works staff who work daily to provide the best services and improve the quality of life in Springfield,” adds Environmental Services Director Errin Kemper. “This is an even greater accomplishment considering we underwent the evaluation process while managing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
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, 140 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 award-winning treatment plants which process an average of 40 million gallons per day. Environmental Services staff also manage solid waste and recycling programs 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 Communication Coordinator Kristen Milam at 573-819-3713 or [email protected]