FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RECEIVES RE-ACCREDITATION FROM NATIONAL ORGANIZATION

The Newport News Department of Public Works has been re-accredited by the American Public Works Association (APWA).

The Newport News Department of Public Works has been re-accredited by the American Public Works Association (APWA). Originally one of the first 11 agencies in the nation and the first one in Virginia to receive full APWA accreditation, this marks the second time the department has been re-accredited since its initial accreditation in 2003. There are now 57 APWA accredited public works agencies across the country.

“I am extremely proud of our Public Works Team,” said Newport News City Manager Neil Morgan. “They are dedicated to providing the best possible service to our citizens in the most professional manner and this recognition by the APWA is well deserved.”

An APWA evaluation team was here for two days in April conducting a site assessment portion of the accreditation process. At the conclusion of the evaluation, the APWA determined that the City’s policies, practices and procedures conform to or exceed national standards. These national standards cover all areas of public works services including:

• human resources practices
• strategic planning
• administrative procedures
• safety and training
• environmental compliance
• snow removal
• street maintenance
• security policies and procedures
• building maintenance
• stormwater and wastewater maintenance
• recycling and solid waste collection
 

APWA’s Evaluators also identified six of the Newport News Public Works Management Practices as “APWA Model Practices.” Model practices serve as examples for other APWA agencies seeking accreditation and are published on APWA’s web site for any public works agency to adopt.

The APWA accreditation program is voluntary and self-motivated and provides a means of formally verifying and recognizing public works agencies for compliance with the recommended management practices. The objectives of this accreditation program are to:

• create an impetus for organizational self improvement and stimulate general raising of standards;
• offer a voluntary evaluation and education program rather than government regulated activity;
• recognize good performance and provide motivation to maintain and improve performance;
• improve public works performance and the provision of services;
• increase professionalism; and
• instill pride among agency staff, elected officials and the local community.

About the APWA
The American Public Works Association (www.apwa.net) is an international educational and professional association of public agencies, private sector companies, and individuals dedicated to providing high quality public works goods and services.

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