KANSAS CITY, MO. — This week marks the 50th anniversary of National Public Works Week (NPWW). The American Public Works Association (APWA) sponsors the week annually to recognize the important contributions of public works professionals and the important role infrastructure, facilities, and services play in the quality of life for all citizens in the United States and Canada. To mark this year’s golden anniversary, cities, towns, counties, districts, and APWA chapters are holding public events and celebrations.

During the past five decades, NPWW observances have included a wide variety of activities, from displays of public works equipment to high school essay contests, open houses, media events, and programs for civic organizations. The first NPWW was instituted in 1960 as a public education campaign under the Chairmanship of Rear Admiral Cushing, U.S.N. (Retired), who was then the president of the Los Angeles Board of Public Works. At that time, the NPWW mission was to foster better understanding of the function and the importance of public works in modern community life.

“Not unlike 50 years ago, our members throughout the U.S. and Canada will celebrate the key role public works professionals play in the sustainability of our communities,” said APWA President Larry Koehle, P. Eng., MPA. “National Public Works Week is about honoring the men and women in public works who provide and maintain our transportation and water systems, utilities, emergency response operations, and other essential infrastructure every day of the week.”

This year, proclamations of support have been approved by numerous states, provinces and local communities. In addition, a U.S. Senate resolution (S. Res. 484) designated the week to pay tribute to the dedicated efforts of public works professionals, including engineers and administrators, who design, build, operate and maintain the public works infrastructure in state and local governments.

More information about NPWW is available at www.apwa.net/npww.