U.S. Senate Names May 17-23 National Public Works Week

WASHINGTON (May 26, 2015) – The United States Senate passed a resolution (S.Res.186) on Thursday, May 21, designating National Public Works Week (NPWW) during May 17-23, in recognition of the important contributions public works professionals make to improve the nation’s public infrastructure and the communities they serve. Each year, the American Public Works Association (APWA) sponsors National Public Works Week with the over 28,500 members who are public works leaders and professionals in municipalities across North America.

Sponsored by Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and Ranking Member Barbara Boxer (D-CA), S. Res. 186 highlights the dedicated efforts of public works professionals and draws attention to the role that public infrastructure plays in protecting the environment, improving public health and safety, contributing to economic vitality, and enhancing the quality of every community of the United States.

As the “stewards of infrastructure,” public works professionals design, build, operate and maintain transportation, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, solid waste removal systems, public buildings, sustainable infrastructure and other structures and facilities.

“APWA thanks Senator Inhofe and Senator Boxer for their support of National Public Works Week this year, and for their continued recognition of the vital importance of public works leaders and professionals in their service to communities,” said APWA Executive Director Peter B. King. “The observance of National Public Works Week increases awareness of public works issues on the national, regional and local levels, including the need for increased investments in our nation’s transportation, clean water and drinking water infrastructure and the important role of public works as “first responders.”

Instituted in 1960, NPWW has been observed for 55 years by the American Public Works Association (APWA) and its members to raise awareness of the contributions of public works professionals and the crucial role that infrastructure, facilities and services play in the quality of life in all communities. The 2015 National Public Works Week theme is “Community Begins Here.”

For more information, visit APWA.