(COLUMBIA, MO) -
Every year the number of citizens who are exposed to the value of Public Works grows. The goal of National Public Works Week, May 15-21, is to educate the general public about the value and necessity of public works projects and public works professionals.
This year's theme is "Always There."
Every day, hundreds of hard working, dedicated people, from mechanics and heavy machine operators to concrete specialists, engineers and sign makers, and far too many others to name, go into the city's garages and streets, in sometimes dangerous environments, and do the hard work necessary to keep our streets, bridges, signs and sidewalks in good repair.
"I think everyone understands that to keep our economy strong, we need to keep our infrastructure strong," said David Nichols, Director of Public Works. "But infrastructure can also be a public safety issue. Not only does keeping our roads and bridges in good repair keep our citizens safe while walking, biking and driving, but it also provides access for emergency responders to hospitals, schools and neighborhoods."
In celebration of National Public Works Week, here are some of the activities involving the City of Columbia Public Works Department:
1. Lunch and Learn with public works/COMO Connect: A "Make the Wheels on the Bus Work for You" Transportation Lunch and Learn Workshop will take place at City Hall on Monday, May 16, from 12 to 1 p.m. Bring a sack lunch to City Hall Conference Room 1A, and transit experts will share trip planning details to help you incorporate COMO Connect, ParaTransit or Services for Independent Living into your weekly travel routine. This is a part of Bike, Walk and Wheel Week activities. For more information, visit: www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/view.php?id=4057
2. Ride COMO Connect for Free: In conjunction with Bike, Walk and Wheel Week, anyone in Columbia may try out the bus line for free, May 16 to May 21. COMO Connect routes are designed to offer access to amenities across the city including trails and parks, such as the Forum Nature Area and the MKT Trail. Buses are even equipped with at least two bike racks available on a first-come basis. For more information, visit www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/view.php?id=4057
3. Hop on the bus with PTAC: The Public Transit Advisory Commission will ride COMO Connect on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, as a part of a special public meeting. The "in the field" public meetings by PTAC are part of the Commission's continuing effort to interact with and listen to the people the transit system serves. The rides will start at the Daniel Boone Regional Library at 2 p.m. For more information, visit: www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/view.php?id=4057
4.PTAC Breakfast Station: The PTAC commissioners will staff a breakfast station Friday morning in front of City Hall, 8th and Broadway, as a part of Bike, Walk and Wheel Week. Food will be provided by Smoothie King from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
5. Public Works Department recognized nationally: The Columbia Public Works Department was recognized for "model practices" during its recent reaccreditation by the American Public Works Association (APWA), April/May 2016. Accredited longer than any other Missouri city, Columbia was the fifth city in the nation to become accredited by the APWA in 2001 and is currently one of only seven municipalities accredited in Missouri. For more information, visit www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/view.php?id=4054
6. Facebook/Twitter Spotlights: City workers in the Public Works Department will be featured this week on social media. You may also visit the Public Works Twitter and Facebook pages all year round for updates on street maintenance and other ongoing projects, such as ADA sidewalk construction, mill and overlay progress, street closures and repair, COMO Connect promotions and detours, and more.
Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/z7vbtel
Twitter: http://tinyurl.com/z9vm8du
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