The Kitsap County Department of Public Works was recently awarded the prestigious American Public Works Association (APWA) Accreditation.
The APWA Accreditation program recognizes governmental agencies that go beyond the requirements of the management practices established nationally in the public works industry.
Kitsap County’s Department of Public Works is the 87th agency in North America to achieve Accreditation, and only the third county and fourth agency in Washington.
They will receive the accreditation award at a presentation ceremony by Brian Ziegler, APWA Accreditation Council chair of Pierce County, at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23, at the Board of County Commissioners meeting in the Administration Building at 619 Division St.
On a daily basis, accredited agencies meet or exceed standards of performance in areas such as road and bridge repair and maintenance, engineering and construction services, building and grounds maintenance, utility coordination and vehicle maintenance.
Kitsap County’s Accreditation award indicates that they are maintaining Accreditation documentation and practices, and that the Department of Public Works staff has dedicated themselves to concepts of continuous improvement and in-depth self-assessment of department policies, procedures and practices.
“Kitsap County’s public works team is highly dedicated to our mission, providing essential and vital services that affect the daily lives of everyone who lives here,” said Public Works Director Randy Casteel.
The Department of Public Works is made up of four main divisions, including Roads and Traffic, Solid Waste, Surface and Stormwater Management, and Sewer Utility.
“Our mission is to plan, maintain, operate and construct public works facilities for the citizens of Kitsap County in a courteous, cost effective, and professional manner,” Casteel said. “Kitsap County Public Works strives to be a recognized leader in the delivery of public works services,” he said.
The Roads and Traffic Division is responsible for building, operating and maintaining the county’s transportation infrastructure, including the design and construction of road improvements, the operation of traffic signals and roadway markings, and maintenance of actual roadway surfaces.
The Solid Waste Division assures that garbage is safely and properly managed, including programs for recycling and hazardous waste disposal.
The Surface and Stormwater Management Program (SSWM) protects residents and their property and preserves natural resources by reducing flooding and stormwater runoff, preserving groundwater quality, restoring fish habitat, and preventing stormwater pollution.
The Sewer Utility Division identifies the capital projects associated with the conveyance and treatment of wastewater, provides regional wastewater collection and treatment services at four wastewater treatment plants, and maintains over 144 miles of gravity pipe, 37 miles of force mains and 58 pump stations.
For the review, a team of public works professionals from Bettendorf, Ind.; Bowling Green, Ky.; Columbia, and Kansas City, Mo., completed a thorough evaluation of operations during their September, 2013 site visit.
“It’s great that Kitsap County’s Department of Public Works has completed their Accreditation assessment successfully, and I commend their service commitment to detailed review of policies and procedures to qualify,” said APWA Credentialing Director Ann Daniels.
