Houses passes resolution supporting National Public Works Week

U.S. House of Representatives passed H. Res. 313, a resolution supporting National Public Works Week, May 17-23, 2009.

Instituted as a public education campaign by the American Public Works Association (APWA) in 1960, National Public Works Week calls attention to the importance of public works in community life.

“This year, the occasion celebrates renewal, revitalization and reinvestment in infrastructure,” APWA says in a written statement.

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (T&I) Chairman James Oberstar (D-MN) introduced the resolution, which was co-sponsored by 13 Congressional leaders.

The resolution recognizes public works infrastructure, facilities and services as having “far-reaching effects on the United States economy and the Nation’s competitiveness in the world marketplace” and playing a “pivotal role in the health, safety and quality of life of communities of the United States.”

It urges “citizens and communities throughout the United States to join with representatives of the Federal Government in activities and ceremonies designed to pay tribute to the public works professionals of the Nation and to recognize the substantial contributions that public works professionals make to the Nation.”