Washington D.C. – U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA), leaders of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today introduced a resolution designating May 15 to May 21, 2016, as National Public Works Week. The resolution encourages the public to recognize and celebrate the important contributions that individuals make every day to improve the public works infrastructure of the United States.
“This week is about recognizing the men and women who put in the hard work and ingenuity to ensure our nation’s infrastructure is maintained and modernized to keep Americans healthy and safe. From clean drinking water to reduced traffic congestion, the support they provide to our nation's infrastructure plays an important role in the well-being of our country and our competitive edge in the global marketplace.
“In 2015, we celebrated the FAST Act being signed into law, the longest surface transportation reauthorization bill since 1998. Now job creators and local governments will have the long-term funding certainty to launch large-scale, economy-boasting projects as well as better address the nearly 60,000 structurally deficient bridges and the 50 percent of our nation’s roads that are categorized in poor condition. This was a historic victory for the American people that will help to reduce traffic congestion, improve safety, increase efficiency in the movement of goods, and support our growing economy.
“Our committee started the new year by addressing another public works priority when we advanced with strong bipartisan support the Water Resources Development Act of 2016. This legislation prioritizes projects to improve our ports and waterways for increased competitiveness in the movement of American goods and supports needed flood control projects that will protect millions of people and billions of dollars’ worth of infrastructure. WRDA 2016 also helps small and disadvantaged communities throughout the United States by providing additional resources so that they can best address their local infrastructure and give their residents access to clean and safe water. Most importantly, this legislation is a step towards putting Congress back on track to pass a WRDA every two years.
“During this National Public Works week, we recognize the great accomplishments and contributions made by public works professionals across the nation. We encourage local governments, organizations, and individuals to join us in paying tribute to these public servants and celebrating our nation’s great accomplishments in infrastructure.”
To read the full text of the resolution, click here.
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