Georgia_Public_Works_Issue4_2024_issuu by Kelman & Associates

GA CONTINUES TO BUILD TOWARDS THE FUTURE

• PWX 2025 Chicago Awards Program

• Georgia DOT Awards 23 Construction Contracts for Statewide Transportation Projects

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BIRMINGHAM MOBILE SHELBYVILLE ATLANTA

APWA GEORGIA CHAPTER

4915 Chase Lane Cumming, GA 30040 georgia.apwa.org

PRESIDENT

Mr. Christopher Cox

PRESIDENT-ELECT

Mr. Felix Floyd

PAST PRESIDENT

Mr. Christopher Rotalsky

VICE PRESIDENT

Mr. Tyler Pannell

SECRETARY

Mr. Patrick S. Collins, P.E.

DELEGATE

Mr. Lenardo “Leo” Owens

TREASURER

Mrs. Becky L. Kinsey

ALTERNATE DELEGATE

Mr. Terrence Simpkins

Georgia Public Works is published by:

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PRACTICING SERVANT LEADERSHIP CULTIVATES OUTSTANDING TEAMS

DOMINICK LONGOBARDI, APWA PRESIDENT

Over the past year, the Leadership and Management Committee has provided a series of articles on cultivating a positive work culture, recognizing that this is one of the most critical factors in recruiting and retaining employees. Servant leadership is at the heart of a thriving work culture, and when we bring family values of trust, respect, and caring for others into our work lives, we create a place where people feel like they belong and can be at their best.

My roles as President of APWA and, previously, Mayor of Floral Park, New York, have allowed me to hold designated leadership positions. However, leadership is not about titles, but about actions. I have always strived to be a leader in every position I’ve held. Servant leadership, for me, is about supporting those around you and helping them perform at their best. We can all do this by being good listeners, being present and mindful, and demonstrating empathy.

I issue a challenge to every one of you. Be leaders in your organizations, within your teams, and in this association at your chapters and the national level. We all have a role in creating a sense of family and belonging at APWA events and activities. By practicing servant leadership, like being good listeners, we can better understand the needs of our membership and what we can do to support those who build, maintain, and operate our infrastructure. When we are present and mindful, we notice if someone needs to be introduced or invited into a conversation. Going to events as a new attendee can be intimidating and awkward. Look for those people and make a special effort to introduce them to others and make them feel welcome. Remember, even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference in people’s experience and their decision to invest their time and energy into an association that is open and friendly.

Each of us has the power to make a positive impact, no matter how small the gesture. Empathy builds trust and psychological safety. We can show this by valuing and building off people’s perspectives and ideas when working on a committee or organizing an event. These small acts create a sense of belonging and inspiration for servant leadership that we can practice at every level of APWA to move our strategic plan forward. Our strategic focus over the next year is on visibility, workforce development, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Servant leadership is not just a principle, but the underlying force driving each of these initiatives. It’s your commitment to servant leadership that will propel the public works industry forward.

Visibility

• Purpose Statement: Future public works workforce, government leaders, and media know and appreciate what the public works industry does to advance their quality of life.

• Success Statement: Future public works workforce, government leaders, and media can generally describe how public works impact their everyday lives for the better.

Workforce Development

• Purpose Statement: The public works industry has a global, sustainable, diverse workforce to meet current and future challenges.

• Success Statement: Agencies rely on APWA’s inclusive culture to provide education, training, and support for existing and new employees to develop and expand their skills, meeting current and future needs.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

• Purpose Statement: APWA leads the way in promoting and demonstrating an inclusive, diverse, and equitable community.

• Success Statement: The membership reflects the population they represent, people are included, and the association’s services are delivered equitably.

I am here to serve the association wholeheartedly and will listen to your thoughts and ideas. I will be present in our interactions and value your perspective as I would with my own family. Thank you for being on this leadership journey with me.

Tennessee

GEORGIA APWA BRANCHES 2025 BRANCH PRESIDENTS

CENTRAL SAVANNAH RIVER AREA

Ron O. Lampkin rlampkin@augustaga.gov

COASTAL BRANCH

Keith Page bkpage@chathamcounty.org

METRO ATLANTA BRANCH

Metro Atla nta Branc h

Bradley Klinger bklinger@fayettecountyga.gov

Sha uncey Battle-W illi ams sba ttle-will iams@Atla ntaG a Gov

Georgia APWA Branches

Branches

Georgia APWA Branches

2021 Branch Presidents

Georgia APWA Branches Branch

North Carolina

MIDDLE BRANCH

Scott Sullivan wssullivan@spaldingcounty.com

NORTHEAST BRANCH

Coastal B ra nch Kei th P age bkp age@c hatham county or g Northe ast Bra nc h

Todd Beebe tbeebe@gainesville.org

Tod d B eebe tbeeb e@gain esvi lle org

NORTHWEST BRANCH

Northwe st B ran ch

Eric Sexton eric.sexton@floydcountyga.org

Jerem y Bryson jerem y bryso n@cato osa com

SOUTHEAST BRANCH

Anthony Vincent avicent@glynncounty-ga.gov

SOUTHWEST BRANCH

Angela Bray akbray@valdostacity.com

Sou thwe st Br an ch Em anuel Hai re EHai re@colqui ttga org

WEST CENTRAL BRANCH Vacant

West Cen tral Bran ch

Jam es Man g jma ng@c olum bus ga org

BECOME A MEMBER OF APWA

APWA Membership has its privileges

Memberships are extended to both current or past public works employees as well as to private company employees who interact with the American Public Works Association.

Membership comes with the opportunity to share common goals, challenges, and solutions with Public Works professionals throughout North America.

As a member, you’ll participate in local Chapter and Branch programs meetings – often at reduced pricing; gain exposure to more than 30,000 Public Works professionals; save money on the best education and training programs in Public Works, covering all disciplines with ability to receive CEUs and PDHs; gain free subscriptions to many infoNOW electronic networking communities and resources, including the APWA Reporter Magazine; receive free access to the Resource Center and registrations for live Click, Listen & Learn programs; and pay reduced pricing for books, videos, construction, water resources and more.

As a member, you’ll save up to 42% on registration for PWX, the NORTH American Snow Conference and most nationally sponsored workshops and e-learning programs; earn your professional certification credentials; have networking opportunities at the national, local chapter and/or Branch level; and receive discounts on advertising opportunities in the APWA Reporter Magazine and exhibitor space at the annual PWX* (*Corporate Crown Level Group Memberships only ).

APWA is your primary resource for public works-related knowledge.

Become an Individual or Group Member of the APWA

Individual APWA membership automatically includes a one-year membership to your local APWA or CPWA Chapter.

Individual Membership is available to:

• any official or employee (active, retired, or life) of a government agency, manufacturer, supplier, contractor, student, or consulting firm who is actively engaged in the field of Public Works.

Group Membership is available to:

• Student Groups,

• Public Agency Groups,

• One-Call Center/System Groups,

• Corporate Groups,

• Prestige Corporate, and

• Crown Corporate.

To learn more about APWA’s membership groups and how to become a member, visit www.apwa.net

Membership comes with the opportunity to share common goals, challenges, and solutions with Public Works professionals throughout North America.

PWX 2025 CHICAGO AWARDS PROGRAM

Recognizing the best in public works

Nominate a public works professional, project, organization, or chapter for an award that would recognize their achievements and contributions.

Criteria for the 2025 Awards Program can be found below or online at www.apwa.org

The APWA Awards Program recognizes outstanding individuals, groups and chapter representing the best in public works. Below is a list of available awards and their criteria and learn how to nominate an individual or group for their professional contributions. Award nomination deadline: March 3, 2025

Nominate your winner today!

FEATURED AWARDS

Presidential Acknowledgement for Chapter Excellence (PACE)

To recognize APWA chapters for contributions made to positively impact their membership, profession, and community.

Public Works Project of the Year Award

The APWA Public Works Project of the Year Award was established to promote excellence in the management, administration, and implementation of public works projects by recognizing the

alliance between the managing agency, the consultant/ architect/ engineer, and the contractor who working together to complete public works projects.

Public Works Project of the Year Award for Small Cities/Rural Communities

The APWA Public Works Project of the Year Award for agencies from cities or counties with a population of 50,000 or less is established to promote excellence in demonstrating creativity, ingenuity, and efficiency in the delivery of public works projects that have a profound impact on the community.

Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year Award

The Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year award seeks to inspire excellence and dedication in public service by recognizing the outstanding career service achievements of individual public works professionals and officials, from both the public and private sectors. The primary focus of the award is on career service to the public works profession rather than on any one single event or project.

MEMBER AWARDS

Excellence in Education Award

To recognize outstanding and meritorious achievement of individuals for their work in delivering educational opportunities for all levels of individuals engaged in the delivery of public works services as well as assisting in the areas of continuing and graduate professional education for public works professionals.

Myron Calkins Young Leader of the Year Award

To recognize and encourage young APWA members who have demonstrated an initial commitment to the profession and the association and show potential for future growth within the association.

Outstanding Chapter Achievement and Excellence in Chapter Service Award

This award recognizes achievements at the chapter level that support APWA’s strategic plan, goals, and objectives through dedicated and longstanding contributions to the chapter.

Professional Manager of the Year Award in Administrative Management

The Professional Manager of the Year Award in Administrative Management recognizes outstanding achievements in the area of administration within the public works field who inspires excellence, leadership, and dedication to the public good.

Professional Manager of the Year Award in Engineering and Technology

The Professional Manager of the Year Award in Engineering and Technology recognizes outstanding achievements in the area of engineering and technology within the public works field and to inspire excellence, leadership, and dedication to the public good.

Professional Manager of the Year Award in Facilities and Grounds

The Professional Manager of the Year Award in Facilities and Grounds recognizes the outstanding achievements in the area of facilities and/or grounds management within the public works field and to inspire excellence, leadership, and dedication to the public good.

Professional Manager of the Year Award in Public Fleet

The Professional Manager of the Year Award in Public Fleet category recognizes outstanding achievements in the area of public fleet management within the public works field and to inspire excellence, leadership, and dedication to the public good.

Professional Manager of the Year Award in Public Rights-of-Way

The Professional Manager of the Year Award in Public Rightsof-Way recognizes outstanding achievements in the area of public rights-of-way management, within the public works field and to inspire excellence, leadership, and dedication to the public good.

Professional Manager of the Year Award in Public Works Emergency Management

The Professional Manager of the Year Award in Public Works Emergency Management recognizes the outstanding achievements in the area of public works emergency management within the public works field and to inspire excellence, leadership, and dedication to the public good.

Professional Manager of the Year Award in Solid Waste

The Professional Manager of the Year Award in Solid Waste recognizes outstanding achievements in the area of solid waste management within the public works field and to inspire excellence, leadership, and dedication to the public good.

Professional Manager of the Year Award in Transportation

The Professional Manager of the Year Award in Transportation recognizes outstanding achievements in the area of public transportation professionals within the public works field and to inspire excellence, leadership, and dedication to the public good.

Professional Manager of the Year Award in Water Resources

The Professional Manager of the Year Award in Water Resources recognizes outstanding achievements in the area of water resources within the public works field and to inspire excellence, leadership, and dedication to the public good.

PUBLIC WORKS INDUSTRY AWARDS

Asset Management Award

To recognize a team or organization for advancements made in their Asset Management (AM) System. The AM System refers to the global activities of the organization geared toward maximizing the value the community receives from infrastructure assets.

Distinguished Service to Public Works Award

To recognize an elected or appointed government service leader for far-reaching impact on local, state, or national public works programs, services, or policies through exemplary public service and commitment. This award particularly recognizes leadership in furthering the mission and goals of public works.

Excellence in Snow and Ice Control Award

The APWA Excellence in Snow and Ice Control Award was established to promote excellence in the management and administration of public works snow and ice operations. To promote the best practices in snow and ice removal while minimizing environmental impacts.

Management Innovation Award

To recognize an individual, team or organization for the development, management and implementation of a creative idea, program, process, or system that enhances the delivery of public works services to the public. A management innovation is defined as a procedure such as a system, program or process.

Technical Innovation Award

To recognize an individual, team, or organization for the development, management, and implementation of a creative idea, program, process, or system that enhances the delivery of public works services to the public. A technical innovation involves materials, design, and equipment such as pinch valves, a carbon fiber reinforced bridge, etc.

Governor Kemp Announces First Grant Recipients of New Rural Site Development Initiative

Source: State of Georgia Website

ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced the inaugural recipients of the OneGeorgia Authority’s new Rural Site Development Initiative grant. Recognizing the vital importance of ready-for-development sites, this initiative enables Georgia’s rural communities to identify, assess, and develop new industrial sites, helping to maintain the capacity for economic growth and Georgia’s competitive edge. Eligible activities include but are not limited to, site studies, land grading, and other essential community infrastructure that supports site development.

“Georgia has been the No. 1 state for business for over a decade by investing in our future,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “When we talk to companies, the first question they ask is if we have the workforce. The second is if we have the sites. The Rural Site Development Initiative is just one of the ways we’re making sure Georgia remains in pole position for economic development for years to come.”

The first round of successful grantees demonstrated substantive plans for industrial site development while meeting OneGeorgia Authority eligibility requirements, which include certification as a Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) site location. These inaugural grants total $9.3 million. The six award recipients have also demonstrated strong community buy-in.

“Georgia’s historic economic development success is the result of decades of strategic partnerships and initiatives championed by the Georgia General Assembly,” said Speaker Jon Burns. “I commend Governor Kemp for this announcement that further solidifies Georgia’s standing as the No. 1 place to do business, and I look forward to the continued job creation and development

opportunities these investments will bring to Screven County and other communities across the state.”

“I commend Governor Brian Kemp on this great announcement, which further solidifies that in Georgia, we welcome new businesses across the state and support efforts to increase Georgia’s workforce,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “I’m proud to support efforts like these to increase economic development opportunities and attract future businesses to our great state. This is just one innovative approach to keeping Georgia the No. 1 state for business into the future.”

“Georgia’s economic development success has been unprecedented, in part due to the combination of leadership and prior investment,” said Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Christopher Nunn. “This new tool will enable communities to remain attractive for future prospects and achieve their vision of economic prosperity.”

“By investing in site development, communities are investing in their longterm health,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “There is no better way to change a life for the better than creating an opportunity for a job. This program will help us continue to bring economic opportunity and prosperity into our communities, providing generational change for the better.”

In addition to meeting OneGeorgia Authority requirements, applicants leveraged other funding sources to demonstrate community commitment. Use of funds is subject to all applicable state laws and regulations, as well as to the policies and requirements of the OneGeorgia Authority and the Department of Community Affairs. OneGeorgia funds must be expended

within the timeframe specified in the grant award documentation, which is generally two years from the date of the award.

AWARDS:

Dade Industrial Development Authority

The Dade Industrial Development Authority in northwest Georgia was awarded $31,500 for a due diligence grant to assist with the costs of studies and reports required to seek GRAD certification for the Dade Industrial Park. The total project costs are $59,050. This grant will support the studies and reports needed to add another 50-acre tract adjacent to the existing 42-acre park.

Liberty County Development Authority

The Liberty County Development Authority in coastal Georgia received a grant of $2 million for site readiness improvements, including the construction of an access road, at the rail-served and “GRAD” certified Tradeport West Business Center as part of renewing its GRAD certification. The Liberty County Development Authority is contributing to the total infrastructure cost of $4.7 million.

Joint Development Authority (JDA)

of Peach County and the City of Warner Robins

The JDA of Peach County and the City of Warner Robins in middle Georgia were awarded a grant of $2 million to construct a new road/entrance to the Robins International Industrial Park, a “GRAD Select” park. This work will support the continued growth of the park, which has attracted $217 million in investment and 280 new jobs to the JDA area from companies such as Pure Flavor, Local Bounti, and Pratt Industries. The JDA is contributing to the total infrastructure cost of $3.57 million.

Dodge County-Eastman Development Authority

The Dodge County-Eastman Development Authority, also in middle Georgia, received a grant of $2 million for necessary water and sewer improvements at the Eastman Aerospace Park, a “GRAD Select” park. The site is adjacent to the Heart of Georgia Regional Airport and Middle Georgia State University’s School of Aviation and is well-positioned to attract strategic industries such as aerospace and defense. The Dodge County-Eastman Development Authority is contributing to the total project cost, which is expected to exceed $2.2 million.

Brunswick and Glynn County Development Authority

Coastal Georgia’s Brunswick and Glynn County Development Authority was awarded $2 million in OneGeorgia funds to enhance the Georgia Breakbulk Logistics Site with road, water, sewer, and site grading improvements. The total project costs are $3,009,000 for the 700 developable acres at the rail-served site.

Screven County Development Authority

Screven County Development Authority in southeastern Georgia was awarded $1,040,332 in grant funds to assist with flooring and building improvements to the Screven County Speculative Building located within the Screven County Industrial Park, a “GRAD Certified” site. The total project cost is $2,005,924 and the 70-acre site. OneGeorgia previously assisted with an Equity loan to fund the construction of the speculative building.

About GDEcD

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting

new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for arts, film, and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.

Visit www.georgia.org for more information.

About the Department of Community Affairs

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) partners with communities to

build strong, vibrant neighborhoods, and commercial and industrial areas through community and economic development, local government assistance, and safe and affordable housing. Using state and federal resources, DCA helps communities spur private job creation, implement planning, develop downtowns, generate affordable housing solutions, and promote volunteerism. DCA also helps qualified Georgians with low to moderate incomes buy homes, rent housing, and prevent foreclosure and homelessness. For more information, visit www.dca.ga.gov

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Awards 23 Construction Contracts for Statewide Transportation Projects

registered small businesses, and veteran-owned small businesses interested in bidding on projects or performing work must prequalify with Georgia DOT.

To learn more, please visit www.dot.ga.gov/GDOT/Pages/DBE.aspx

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Biden Administration Gives $40 Million in Grants to Fund Bridge Over Lenox Road/400, Other Georgia Projects

Source: WABE

Through one of the final acts of his administration, President Biden announced $40 million in grants for projects that aim to improve driver and pedestrian safety on Georgia’s roads.In Atlanta, $10 million will be spent on constructing a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the intersection of Lenox Road and GA400 in Buckhead.

The money comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, passed in 2021, which authorizes up to $108 billion for public transportation improvements nationwide.

This round of funding totals over $1 billion for the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Safe Streets and Roads for All program. The program funds projects that work to prevent deaths and serious injuries on some of the country’s most dangerous roadways.

“Through new funding programs like Safe Streets and Roads for All, the Biden-Harris Administration is helping communities of all sizes make their roadways safer for everyone who uses them,” said US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a press release.

“Through new funding programs like Safe Streets and Roads for All, the Biden-Harris Administration is helping communities of all sizes make their roadways safer for everyone who uses them.”

– US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg

According to the DOT, over 1,000 crashes have occurred at the busy intersection within three years.

“This stretch of Lenox Road is considered among the most dangerous streets in the city of Atlanta,” said Jim Durrett, Executive Director of the Buckhead Community Improvement District (CID).

The Buckhead CID applied for funds as part of the Lenox Road Complete Street project. The project will create a 1.25-mile pedestrian corridor connecting the Lenox MARTA station to Piedmont Road.

The $10 million grant will go toward the cost of the bridge, which is estimated to be over $43 million. Construction is expected to begin in October 2025 and be completed in January 2028. Durrett said the bridge is also the first phase of HUB404, a park

“In metro Atlanta, Gwinnett County will receive $1.6 million to invest in speed control, data analytics, new technology, and the evaluation of safety interventions. The City of East Point will receive $400,000 to develop a safety action plan.”

Tame Nature Naturally

that aims to restore greenspace in the area. The portion above GA400 will be a third of an acre, and plazas could be built on both sides of the freeway. It will also connect with PATH 400, a multi-use trail.

“What we’re doing here is trying to create a connected network of walkable and bikeable streets throughout the entire district and [the bridge] is a critical missing link in that network of safe streets,” Durrett said.

In metro Atlanta, Gwinnett County will receive $1.6 million to invest in speed control, data analytics, new technology, and the evaluation of safety interventions. The City of East Point will receive $400,000 to develop a safety action plan.

Other Georgia municipalities receiving funds include the cities of Savannah, Carrollton, and LaFayette, in addition to Macon-Bibb, Coweta, and Montgomery counties.

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SAVETHEDATE

40TH ANNUAL MID-WINTER APWA GEORGIA EQUIPMENT SHOW

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH, 2025

GA National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Miller, Murphy, Howard Building 401 Larry Walker Parkway Perry, GA 30169

How a South Carolina Prison Community is Feeding the Public Works Workforce AND CHANGING LIVES

MARK SHADE, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS MEDIA MANAGER, AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION, WASHINGTON, DC

It’s a partly cloudy, 86-degree day in northeastern South Carolina when Clarence Commander rolls up to the Georgetown County Detention Center’s locked gate in his silver Mercedes Benz convertible and waits for it to be opened. After the gate is unlocked, he drives through toward an unremarkable, square, one-floor brown building that has a faded red door, a partially opened silver garage door, but offers promises of “options and opportunities” inside.

Commander, the owner of the Carolina Welding Training Institute, is at the detention center training facility to teach welding to those spending time behind bars and time in a unique reentry program that’s offering education, trade – and life – skills.

What the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Reentry Program is doing, despite its matterof-fact name, is anything but ordinary. Not everyone is allowed into the program, but those who get in and graduate have a much better chance of not going back to prison and succeeding in life. South Carolina’s recidivism rate is around 20 percent and is one of the lowest in the country.

“ South Carolina’s recidivism rate is around 20 percent and is one of the lowest in the country. The reentry program’s recidivism rate is, well, scant; less than one percent.

The reentry program’s recidivism rate is, well, scant; less than one percent.

Georgetown County Sheriff Carter Weaver is the new cheerleader for this program, which was first started in 2007 by Sheriff A. Lane Cribb but stopped for three years during the COVID pandemic.

Weaver stands about 6’ 4” and pulls no punches when he talks about the people in the program. They are not students or participants. He calls them inmates.

“We’re not dealing with choir members. We’re not dealing with preachers. We’re dealing with people who have not had a lot of opportunity,” Weaver said. “I’m a law-and-order sheriff. I think people should be held responsible for their crimes,

and I think they should serve their time. No doubt whatsoever about that.”

But, he said during that warm September day in an air-conditioned Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office conference room, he believes everyone should have a second chance. “I don’t care if you’re an ax murderer or you stole a steak from the grocery store, I think everybody could be rehabilitated if they have that willingness,” the sheriff said.

Willingness

Many factors are considered to determine if an inmate gets into the program, but Weaver says willingness is the key ingredient.

“When you look at each individual person’s life and what they haven’t been given, or what they haven’t experienced, or what they haven’t been exposed to, the only thing we ask in return is willingness. That’s it. You gotta have a willingness, number one, to be a damn good person and to be a part of something bigger than yourself,” the sheriff said.

Georgetown County Sheriff’s Reentry Program participants are inmates in the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC), and they’ve been classified in

SCDC’s system depending on their crime, medical condition, and other factors.

At a certain point during their sentence, SCDC will allow eligible inmates to be transferred to a local detention center operated by a sheriff’s office. Inmates must apply to be transferred to Georgetown. No one who has medical issues, expresses a lack of desire to attend classes or complete work assignments, or is prone to fighting will be admitted, Weaver said.

“The gates are open, but we can’t just take everybody because it’s going to make our facility fail even if they’re not in the reentry program,” he said.

The Georgetown County Reentry Program is not a one-person operation In August 2022, the county hired a principal, Jonathan Branch, from the Christ Classical Academy of Charlotte, North Carolina, to be its reentry program coordinator, work with the sheriff, and restart the program. “It took us about a full year to have a program of substance in place,” Branch said.

Branch holds a master’s degree in ethics and applied philosophy. Considering Branch’s education and his direction of a school with a mission to “establish an intentionally diverse, classical learning community in partnership with families committed to a lifetime of learning and service,” Weaver said Branch has “really enhanced the credibility of the whole doggone thing.”

The reentry program is a registered apprenticeship through Apprenticeship Carolina, a division of the South Carolina

Technical College System, and it can also certify inmates in HVAC repair, plumbing, electrical, and other trade skills. Inmates also earn college credits through a new relationship with Coastal Carolina University. All trades are taught in the training center.

Branch recently started a 52-week program from the Minnesota Department of Corrections focusing on “criminal and victim thinking.” He said it covers socialization, alcohol and other substance abuse, rehabilitation, reentry planning, and relapse prevention.

Drug addiction is Georgetown’s “rocky road,” the sheriff said, so his reentry program has started the Damascus House Ministry to help inmates break the drug cycle (gtcounty.org/CivicAlerts. aspx?AID=429). Inmates apply to be in Damascus House and then live together in the same cell block, meet six hours a day, and work together as “they work through past grief and trauma and take responsibility for their choices.”

Is the renewed Georgetown County Reentry Program working? Branch says yes.

“Since June 12, 2023, we’ve had five men released through our program, and none have been rearrested; all five are employed full-time, and one is also enrolled in college,” he said.

The Georgetown County Public Services Department has hired three of the reentry program’s graduates since its start. And, said Director Ray Funnye, PWLF, and an APWA member, they have filled electrical, HVAC, and truck driving positions for three years with an unexpected twist.

“Their dedication, work ethic, and commitment to personal growth have positively impacted our team,” Funnye said. “This partnership demonstrates the power of second chances and the value these individuals bring to county government and the community.”

Learning public works skills alongside public works professionals has helped the county save hundreds of thousands of

dollars a year in labor costs (youtu.be/ 2CmkIfT61So?si=42ZtkBAlaxZQWtJU ).

Reentry participants in the wood shop built a wooden boat this year and sold it on October 19, at the 35th Annual Georgetown Wooden Boat Show on the waterfront in downtown Georgetown.

The show opened at 10 a.m., Branch said, and it was sold 90 minutes later.

“Many people stopped to give the boat a long look, ask about how it was built, and express interest in buying it. We got a lot of positive feedback, and the guys in the program felt good about being able to contribute.

Take Charge of your Fleet

“Many people stopped to give the boat a long look, ask about how it was built, and express interest in buying it. Several people asked if we would take orders for more,” Branch said. “We got a lot of positive feedback, and the guys in the program felt good about being able to contribute.”

Nearly every Georgetown County Sheriff’s Reentry Program graduate has started a job after leaving prison.

“People see the humanity and dignity of the men in our program, and they give what they have to affirm that,” Branch said.

Also, the Georgetown County Reentry Program is not a two-person operation Many reentry programs throughout the country are designed to help people after they have been released from prison. Not only does Georgetown work with people while they are in prison, they do it with the help of a few organizations: Amazing Journey Inc. (amazingjourneyinc.org), Club 142 United, and Good Friends of Georgetown County.

Following Sheriff Cribb’s death in 2019, Amazing Journey formed to help the reentry program with expenses. While Georgetown County uses tax dollars to pay for the operating expenses of the reentry program inside its detention center walls (raw materials and tools to education classes and supplies), Amazing Journey picks up the expenses for other elements of the program that are key to the reentry program’s success.

The organization bought a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine to help participants make wood plaques and

other equipment for the program. Most of its money, however, is spent to help reentry graduates land on their feet once they get out of prison.

“We have budgeted about $6,000 per guy to cover things like clothing, trying to find them a vehicle, trying to find them a place to live, getting them started,” said Amazing Journey President Frank Slater. “The last guy that I was involved with – we had him a home, his closet was full of clothing, we stocked all of his kitchen cupboards with food. His refrigerator was full of food.”

This is where Club 142 United comes in. The “informal group” that started as a book exchange club is now Amazing Journey’s biggest partner providing clothing, food, and everything else postprison at no cost.

One of the ways Amazing Journey raises funds for reentry graduates is through Palmetto Giving Day ( palmettogivingday.org), a 36-hour online giving marathon. Donors contributed more than $20,000 this year to Amazing Journey’s mission.

Options and opportunities realized

In the “success stories” section of its website, Amazing Journey has produced videos with a few of the graduates of the reentry program. Joshua Perry, who went to prison at an early age and served more than eight years, said he began studying to be an electrician in the program, earned his journeyman license, and got a job before he got out of prison.

“People fall every day. It’s all about what you do when you fall. Are you going to get

back up, keep pushing?” Perry asked. “The reentry program is the way to go.”

Jonas Bates started his 10-year prison sentence in 2005 and transferred to Georgetown after spending two years in a state facility. He earned his journeyman carpentry certificate in the reentry program and, two years after he left prison, he started his own company, Coastal Craftsmanship and Woodworking. Charleston Magazine featured his work this past summer.

Ryan Cranford said he was 17 when he went to prison, but the reentry program turned him around.

“To be able to develop hands-on skills for what we need throughout life, it was amazing,” said Cranford, who landed an HVAC maintenance job before graduating from the program and being released from his sentence. “It’s a very valuable program.”

As rewarding as the program is for its participants, it’s readily apparent it also benefits the program’s supporters and directors.

“Listening to guys one-on-one, you know, listen[ing] to them tell their stories, even picking up on little things and informal conversations and hearing where they’ve come from, what they’ve been

through, is incredibly sobering,” Branch, the former principal, said. “Recognizing that it’s one thing to know that my perspective is limited to my experiences, but it’s something else to hear other people talk about theirs and see how that’s affected them.”

The imposing Weaver? Firm as a law-andorder sheriff? Inmates until you’re no longer an inmate? He, Branch, Amazing Journey, and others meet at picnics, holiday parties, and other social events with the program’s participants and graduates.

Weaver says many program participants have “a different look in their eye.”

“They have value in their lives again, and that’s when they’re still incarcerated, still locked up every day, still eating terrible food, still sleeping on a terrible cot, and terrible conditions,” he said. “They know there’s something else out there now, and they have hope. There’s tomorrow. I think that’s what we’re seeing in their eye[s], in their face.”

Reentry participants also, said Slater, get a champion in the sheriff.

“Whenever we’re together at every party, at every picnic, and whenever we’re there with them, he (Weaver) always says at some point in his talk,

‘It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.’ And he makes them a promise he’ll stand behind them, but they got to promise back to him that they’ll do the best they can. So that’s pretty cool,” Slater said.

Doing their best may be a little easier in a new $65 million detention center Georgetown County broke ground for in June. The new facility, once opened in February 2027, will include a 4,535-square-foot building that will be dedicated to the reentry program.

Photos also by Mark Shade. He can be reached at mshade@apwa.org

PWX 2025

August 17-20, 2025 • Chicago, Illinois

GREETINGS! PWX is coming to Chicago in 2025! PWX is the premier gathering of thousands of public works officials from around the world. Education sessions, equipment exposition, and networking are all a part of this incredible event.

The Chicago Metro Chapter is the host committee for PWX 2025.

PWX is a huge undertaking and we cannot do this without the support of members and the APWA community. The PWX Committee is responsible for showcasing Chicago and is working hard on making this a successful event. Tasks include hosting:

• Get Acquainted party where the public works community comes together to celebrate a little taste of Chicago

• National Equipment Roadeo

• National Board Welcome Reception and Spouse Tour

• Sporting events like a 5k run and golf outing

• Providing volunteers to staff education events and welcome visitors to our community

The committee has made it a priority to raise funds for PWX 2025 which is no easy task. A large portion will go toward the Get Acquainted Party for PWX attendees and is our way to show why this is such a great Chapter.

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As a leading supplier in Georgia, we’ve provided thousands of water, sewer, and storm utility products to customers just like you. And with over 25 years of knowledge and experience, you can breathe easy, knowing your job is in good hands.

Visit fortiline.com to contact your local branch and see how we can succeed together.

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