National Public Works Week 2010

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, April 27, 2010

At their May 4 meeting, the Washington County Board of Commissioners will proclaim May 16 through 22 as National Public Works Week. This year's theme – Above, Below & All Around You – highlights and celebrates the men and women who provide and maintain the infrastructure and services collectively known as public works. This year there is an emphasis on Clean Water Services' 40th anniversary and everything that agency has accomplished for public and environmental health.

Clean running water, effective storm drains and sewers, sturdy roads and bridges, safe building codes – these are the foundations on which we build our communities. Working together with business and citizens, public works employees plan, build, operate and maintain our county's vital infrastructure.

Instituted as a public education campaign by the American Public Works Association in 1960, National Public Works Week calls attention to the importance of public works in community life. Throughout this week, activities are taking place across the country to celebrate the dedication and commitment of public works professionals.

The public is invited to a family-friendly Public Works Fair at Washington Square on May 15 and 16 supported by Washington County, Clean Water Services, the Joint Water Commission, the Oregon Department of Transportation, and the Oregon Chapter of the American Public Works Association.

Activities for kids include:

• Spin the "Wheel of Safety," answer a traffic question and win a prize
• Become a "River Ranger" by learning about the Tualatin River watershed
• Enjoy the "A-B-C's of Green Engineering" and the "P.W. Paws" coloring books
• Design a "Clean Water" magnet
• Reduce waste and care for the environment with the "Kids Stuff" activity book
• Look both ways and cross the street safely at the traffic signal crosswalk display

And for the grownup kids:

• "Think Permit" to protect your family's safety at the Good-Wall / Bad-Wall
• Take the "Canines for Clean Water" pledge
• "Go Native" with native plants
• Get a free "Freeze the Grease, Save the Drain" kit
• Learn where to recycle tvs, monitors, and computers for free
• "Put a Lid on Trash" with waste reduction tips
• Find out how to report street light outages
• See where the federal stimulus money is going in Washington County, such as new flashing yellow arrows coming to intersections to reduce traffic congestion
• Learn about career opportunities in public works

And much more! Kids can win prizes and take home fun educational materials. Grownups will find brochures and handouts, and well-informed public works staff who can answer their questions.

See you at Washington Square!

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