FREEHOLD – In honor of National Public Works Week (May 18-24), 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 William C. Barham, liaison to the county’s Public Works and Engineering department. “With a team of dedicated county staff, snow and ice control, bridge repairs, traffic safety, hazardous tree removal, storm water monitoring, gypsy moth caterpillar and mosquito control are performed with efficiency.”
 
“The 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 Deputy Director Robert D. Clifton, liaison to the county Mosquito Extermination Commission. “This week seeks to raise the public’s awareness of public works issues and to increase 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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Celebrating Public Works Week are (from left): Asst. Highway Superintendent Thomas Aumack, Superintendent of Bridges Keith Duncan, County Administrator Robert M. Czech, Public Works & Engineering Director John W. Tobia, and Freeholder William C. Barham.