The American Public Works Assn. (APWA), a nonprofit organization with more than 28,500 members, announced the declaration of National Public Works Week, May 18 to 24, 2014, to honor public works professionals in the U.S. and Canada.
The celebration of the week draws attention to the important contributions of public works professionals to citizens’ daily lives, including the planning, building, managing and operating the heart of our local communities—its infrastructure.
Since 1960, APWA has celebrated National Public Works Week (NPWW) each May to raise awareness of these vitally important contributions of public works professionals and the crucial role that infrastructure, facilities and services play in the quality of life in our communities across North America.
“Public works professionals are often unsung heroes of society, and this week honors those who serve the public good everyday with dedication,” said APWA Executive Director Peter B. King.
“Every year, NPWW recognizes the tens of thousands of men and women public works professionals who are key to ensure that building infrastructure today is vital to a sustainable and vibrant tomorrow, so that future generations will enjoy a higher quality of life,” King said. “We celebrate the week to honor the enormous contributions that these public works professionals make in serving our communities everyday by providing and maintaining our transportation systems, clean water, utilities, emergency response operations and other essential infrastructure and services.”
In both the U.S. and Canada, the NPWW celebrations, events and activities are marked by resolutions and proclamations by government leaders. The local celebrations have included observances of many kinds, including open houses, displays of public works equipment, programs for civic organizations and media events.
The APWA Top Ten Public Works Leaders awardees of exceptional public works professionals of North America has also been a cornerstone of NPWW since it began. The program has identified more than 540 men and women who reflect the highest standards of professional conduct for public works officials. These honorees are recognized for career-long responsibilities in connection to the design, construction, maintenance and/or operation of major public works projects and activities in large and small municipalities throughout North America.
Source: American Public Works Assn.
