Challenge the Future Thomas J. Sullivan, P.E., BCEE, Former Managing Partner, Greeley and Hansen, and APWA Life Member; Kenneth Eyre, P.E., Senior Associate, Greeley and Hansen, APWA Life Member, and Past President, Public Works Historical Society
s we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the forming of APWA, we should recognize the contributions that public works leaders have made to the development of the United States. Their contributions have made life and civilization in North America sustainable. Since our earliest days, the main mission of public works organizations has been to improve the health, sanitation and transportation of our citizens. While services offered by public works organizations meet an everexpanding array of the needs of populated areas in the U.S., their earliest objectives were to provide for the most basic human needs, that is, supplying potable water and safely disposing of sewage. In the first century of the U.S., safe, reliable supplies of water for drinking and other uses were rare. Until water sources were protected and treatment was provided, disease was common and often fatal. Due to this, life span was short and social progress was greatly impeded. Providing safe water and collecting sewage for treatment and disposal made living healthier and sustainable for large populations in urban centers. Leaders of public works programs have successfully overcome a great many challenges in developing these programs from their earliest beginnings. Although these challenges have varied throughout our history, the dedication and ingenuity of public works leaders 88 APWA Reporter
June 2012
has been steadfast. Through looking back at the accomplishments of earlier leaders, we can gain insight into overcoming current and future challenges.
Current challenges as reported by APWA In recent APWA surveys, public works leaders have cited the following as their most pressing challenges as they attempt to fulfill their missions. Business factors have been rated the top challenge. This is likely due to the state of the U.S. economy and the impediments that this creates to moving forward with programs. Convincing ratepayers of the benefits of programs continues to be a huge factor. The physical condition of infrastructure such as water and sewage systems ranks a close second. Many of these systems constructed during the last 100 years have far exceeded their useful lives. The need for their replacement is reaching crisis levels in many older cities. Repair and replacement have been deferred for too long and associated costs are staggering at a time when available funding is depressed and severely stretched. While the establishment of regulations by federal and state government has been a useful solution to many problems, the current proliferation of regulations is cited by many as creating roadblocks to planning
and construction of public works improvements. For example, new technologies such as equipment to detect microscopic quantities of pharmaceuticals in source water raise health concerns that have led to more regulation. As population density and urbanization have increased, source water supply and protection has risen to become a major issue. The competition for water is intense and is a major driver in this area. Locating sources of high-quality water for drinking, potable uses and commercial uses has become increasingly difficult as population has shifted and our economy has become more diversified. Potential solutions to the scarcity of water include reclaiming water from wastewater and using this to offset potable water uses. This practice requires an infusion of highlevel technical skills, funding and education of the public. Public works leaders have cited workforce as a major concern. By this, they mean losing experienced staff and the leadership this staff has to offer. As might be expected, funding has been and continues to be the biggest issue to overcome. This is not new, but it seems that the competition between public works services and other national priorities for funding has never been greater and it appears that public works is losing ground in this battle.
