County of Monmouth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 15, 2009

Public Works Week recognized by Freeholders
May 17-23

Freeholder Director Barbara J. McMorrow presents the Public Works Proclamation with Public Works Director John TobiaFREEHOLD – In honor of National Public Works Week (May 17-23), the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders recognized the men and women who provide public works services that are vital to the health, safety and well-being of county residents.

Honorees include the Department of Public Works and Engineering, which comprises the divisions of Engineering, Bridges, Highway, Shade Tree, Central Motor Pool and Emergency Management. Also recognized is the county’s Mosquito Extermination Commission.  Collectively, these employees are responsible for building, designing, operating and maintaining systems that connect local, state and national infrastructure. 

“There are 380 centerline miles of roadway, 980 bridges, and 220 traffic controls in Monmouth County’s public works infrastructure,” said Freeholder Director Barbara J. McMorrow,  liaison to the county’s Public Works and Engineering department. “A team of dedicated county staff efficiently perform their duties that involve snow and ice control, bridge repairs and operation, traffic signs, lines and signals, hazardous tree removal, storm water regulation compliance, gypsy moth and mosquito control and emergency preparations.”

“Public Works Week seeks to enhance the prestige of the often-unsung heroes – the professionals who serve the public good every day with quiet dedication,” said Freeholder Robert D. Clifton, liaison to the county Mosquito Extermination Commission. “Just as this week seeks to raise the public’s awareness of public works issues, it also increases confidence in public works employees who are dedicated to improving the quality of life for present and future generations.”

National Public Works Week was instituted as a public education campaign by the American Public Works Association in 1960 to call attention to the importance of public works in community life. 

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Photo caption: Celebrating Public Works Week are (from left): Public Works & Engineering Director John W. Tobia, and Freeholder Director Barbara J. McMorrow.