Georgia DOT Awards 16 CONTRACTS for Statewide Transportation Projects
• 2024 Leader of the Year Award Nomination: Scott Stokes
• Young Harris and Savannah Awarded Grants to Advance Economic Mobility Initiatives
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PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE IN PUBLIC WORKS
DOMINICK LONGOBARDI, APWA PRESIDENT
Natural disasters and other emergency events will always be a part of our society. There will always be a need for a public works response to emergencies, whether it be from wildfires like we have seen this past year, hurricanes that cause detrimental flooding, tornadoes that ravage our homes and communities, or crowd control issues that must be responded to with barricades and other equipment. There will also never be a perfect response; some aspect of the response, whether it is the timeliness, the planning up to the response, the communication during the response, or the equipment and personnel dedicated to the response, can always be improved and better prepared to take on the next emergency response. Referring back to a year ago, we discussed the statistics of the types of disasters that we had to respond to; these statistics are not diminishing but rather increasing.
That is where you all come in. As part of APWA, we have a widespread network of public works officials at our fingertips; we all learn from each other daily. In many instances, when outside observers of your organization review a situation, they see a fundamentally different way of responding than what you did. That is not a bad thing and does not mean that you or your team responded wrong; you have resources as part of APWA that you can use to better your team, your response, and the way you prepare. No matter how many times you take on a task, there are consistently ways to improve and continue to learn to not only better yourself and your team but to better serve the people we all work for—the public.
In recent years, we have seen a wide array of disasters all over the country. Some of these disasters have happened in geographical locations that were unfathomable to the residents of these areas. For instance, the southeast saw snow at the
beginning of 2025, which has not happened in close to 30 years. When a weather event such as this happens that is not expected or you and your team have not trained for, it is highly probable that an APWA member has experienced the same issue. Making connections during your local chapter meetings, state chapter conferences, the North American Snow Conference, and, of course, PWX, affords you contacts throughout the country that can help provide resources and/or guidance and ease your recovery.
With a new administration in place and discussions of FEMA changing in a more dramatic fashion than we have ever seen, it is likely that local and state officials will have more responsibility and management over local disasters. This will
We cannot let up on the push and the necessary steps taken to ensure that all public works officials are recognized as first responders. We need to continue to shine the importance of what we do day in and day out to everyone.
require additional training and knowledge to ensure resources are used properly and efficiently. Should this significant increase in responsibility be placed in the hands of state and local officials, the onus will more than likely fall to you, the public works professional. It will become imperative to ensure your team is ready to take on these new duties. You will be required to ensure the training and resources are available to them to learn and use. Now is the time, more than ever, to rely on your peers for guidance and shared knowledge to serve your communities as we are expected to do. Not one organization, whether it is federal or state, knows the needs of your
Though our members and committees have done an outstanding job the last 12 to 24 months demonstrating and proving how all public works officials are first responders and will work on the front lines like any other designated first responder, we cannot let up on the push and the necessary steps taken to ensure that all public works officials are recognized as first responders. We need to continue to shine the importance of what we do day in and day out to everyone.
As you continue in your day-to-day duties, never forget that APWA is here to support you and that we can always come together as the one family we are to handle any task
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IUPCOMING EVENTS WITH THE METRO ATLANTA BRANCH
MARK RICE, CBO, CPWM, MCP, 2025 PRESIDENT, METRO ATLANTA APWA BRANCH
hope everyone is having a great Summer so far! It is hard to believe that summer is halfway over and PWX is right around the corner. More on that later. I would like to give a special thank-you to everyone who made the Braves Game a great success! We had over 80 attendees from the branch who attended the pre-game celebration and the game itself! Great job to everyone who was involved in this! Also, thanks to everyone who submitted their Public Works Week Proclamations!
The Georgia APWA Conference is in July, at Jekyll Island, and will be a great time for all the attendees for learning, meeting vendors and new products, and seeing old friends! Our July meetings have been cancelled for the holiday, summer vacations, and the Georgia APWA Conference.
Our next virtual meeting will be on August 7 at 2 pm, will be on Asset Management. The APWA PWX Conference will be held in Chicago from August 17 to 20. Please send us your pictures if you have the opportunity to attend the conference this year! Our next in-person meeting will be held on August 21 at 11 am and will be
hosted at the City of Smyrna. The meeting topic will be the GDOT Requirements for Bridge Maintenance, presented by Garver. Please make plans to attend this very informative meeting. We will also hold a Metro Atlanta Branch Board of Directors meeting immediately following the meeting on August 21.
The monthly virtual meeting for September 4 is scheduled to be on Leadership. There will also be an additional training opportunity for anyone that is interested on September 30 and October 1 in Marietta. There will be more information on this opportunity as we get closer to the dates.
We are planning a special meeting in October to highlight all First Responders, including us in Public Works. This will be highlighted during our virtual meeting on October 2.
We are still looking for one Branch Coordinator (Central) to assist in coordinating our quarterly in-person meetings, scheduling speakers, and being the liaison between the members and the board. If you are interested in serving as a Branch Coordinator, please let myself or one of the board members know.
Feel free to reach out to me directly via email at mrice2@mariettaga.gov if you have any questions.
The Georgia APWA Conference is in July, at Jekyll Island, and will be a great time for all the attendees for learning, meeting vendors and new products, and seeing old friends!
In Loving Memory of
Steve Daniel Parris
With heavy hearts, we remember the life and legacy of Steve Daniel Parris, 60, of Calhoun, Georgia, who passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Born in Columbiana, Alabama, Steve was the son of the late Cecil and Lucille Parris and was also preceded in death by his brothers, David and Marvin Parris. Steve dedicated more than four decades of his life, over 42 years in service, to the people of Gordon County, faithfully serving as Director of Public Works. His tireless commitment to his community and his unwavering work ethic left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working with him. Whether he was overseeing infrastructure projects or lending a hand to a colleague, Steve’s leadership was marked by humility, kindness, and steadfast dedication.
Beyond his professional life, Steve was a devoted husband, father, brother, and grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife, Diane Parris, and his cherished sons: Jordan (Emma) Steely, Cody Blankenship, and Barry Blankenship. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Cayden Blankenship and Josiah McNabb, whom he adored.
Steve dedicated more than four decades of his life, over 42 years in service, to the people of Gordon County, faithfully serving as Director of Public Works. His tireless commitment to his community and his unwavering work ethic left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working with him.
Tennessee
Tennessee
GEORGIA APWA BRANCHES 2025 BRANCH PRESIDENTS
Georgia APWA Branches 2021 Branch Presidents
CENTRAL SAVANNAH RIVER AREA Vacant
COASTAL BRANCH
bkp age@c hatham county or
Keith Page kpage@bryancountyga.gov
METRO ATLANTA BRANCH
Metro Atla nta Branc h
Mark Rice mrice2@mariettaga.gov
Sha uncey Battle-W illi ams sba ttle-will iams@Atla ntaG a Gov
Georgia APWA Branches
Georgia APWA Branches
2021 Branch Presidents
Georgia APWA Branches 2021 Branch Presidents
Georgia 2021 Branch Presidents
Georgia APWA Branches Branch
North Carolina
North Carolina
MIDDLE BRANCH
Kevin King kking@spauldingcounty.com
NORTHEAST BRANCH
Jeanne Connell jeanne.connell@accgov.com
Tod d B eebe tbeeb e@gain esvi lle org
Northwe st B ran ch
NORTHWEST BRANCH Eric Sexton eric.sexton@floydcountyga.org
Jerem y Bryson jerem y bryso n@cato osa com
SOUTHEAST BRANCH
Sean Robinson sean.robinson@glynncounty-ga.gov
SOUTHWEST BRANCH Vacant
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.
Georgia DOT Awards 16 CONTRACTS for Statewide Transportation Projects
Georgia Department of Transportation
In April 2025, the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) awarded 16 transportation contracts totaling approximately $68.2 million.
The largest award, valued at approximately $24 million, was granted to construct a 0.767-mile bridge and its approaches on Bells Ferry Road (CR 8998) over the Little River in Cherokee County. The second-largest project, estimated at $7 million, involves 0.448 miles of bridge construction and approaches on SR 52 over the Chestatee River in Lumpkin County. These two projects, along with nine other construction contracts, account for approximately 84% of the total funds awarded.
One bridge rehabilitation project, totaling over $4.8 million or 7% of the overall awards, includes repairs at multiple locations along SR 92 and I-75/SR 401 in Cherokee and Gordon counties.
Approximately 6% of the funds, around $3.7 million, were dedicated to three safety projects. Two of these projects,
totaling $1.5 million, include the installation of pedestrian hybrid beacon crossing signals at various locations along US 9/41/SR 3 in Clayton County, and intersection improvements on US 23/ SR 42 (Moreland Avenue) at SR 154 and Arkwright Place (CS 2115) in both DeKalb and Fulton counties. The third safety project, valued at $575,000, involves railroad crossing safety enhancements on Rumble Road (CR 31) at NS #718345H in Monroe County, including the relocation of the crossing, installation of warning devices, and upgrades to railroad pavement markings.
The remaining 3% of funds went to a resurfacing project on SR 35 in Tift County. This project includes 7.823 miles of milling, plant mix resurfacing, and shoulder rehabilitation, stretching from north of SR 520 to south of the Irwin County line.
The April awards bring the total construction contracts for Fiscal Year 2025, which began July 1, 2024, to $1.8 billion. This total includes TIA, Design-Bid-Build, and locally administered projects.
Bids for Design-Bid-Build projects were received on April 18, and contracts were awarded to the lowest qualified bidders on May 2, 2025.
Contractors and consultants, including Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), 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 Georgia Department of Transportation plans, constructs, and maintains Georgia’s state and federal highways. We’re involved in bridges, waterways, public transit, rail, general aviation, bike, and pedestrian programs. And we help local governments maintain their roads. Georgia DOT and its nearly 4,000 employees are committed to delivering a transportation system focused on innovation, safety, sustainability, and mobility. The Department’s vision is to boost Georgia’s competitiveness through leadership in transportation.
Warnock: 42,000 New JOBS in Georgia Could VANISH if GOP Tax BILL PASSES
Opinion
By Sen. Raphael Warnock
Washington politicians are voting on partisan legislation to cut taxes for billionaires by repealing clean energy tax credits that are creating tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs and are bringing billions of investments to communities across Georgia.
It’s up to us to speak out and keep these good-paying, advanced manufacturing jobs coming to communities that are too often overlooked.
The sad truth is that cynical politicians want to repeal these tax credits because they were passed by a Democratic
away good-paying jobs, which often don’t require a college degree, from their constituents.
If we set politics aside and center on what’s best for ordinary people, there’s no doubt everyone would come together to protect these tax credits and thousands of Georgia jobs.
Bipartisan Consensus: Clean Energy Jobs are Good for Georgia
During my first term in the Senate, I was proud to champion these clean energy tax credits, which were passed as part of landmark climate legislation in August 2022. Since then, clean energy investment has exploded across Georgia.
During my first term in the Senate, I was proud to champion these clean energy tax credits, which were passed as part of landmark climate legislation in August 2022. Since then, clean energy investment has exploded across Georgia.
In less than three years, businesses have announced or advanced 51 new projects worth over $28 billion in our state.In fact, Georgia has benefited from these clean industry tax credits more than any other state. New projects are expected to add nearly 42,000 jobs across all corners of Georgia.
More than 95% of these new jobs are outside metro Atlanta, and these projects overwhelmingly benefit places where folks are less likely to have a college degree and don’t earn as much as the average American.
When the GOP tax bill comes up for a vote, are you going to protect good-paying Georgia jobs?
In May, I laid out the benefits of these tax credits in a report that outlines Georgia’s Clean Energy Boom. In an era defined by gridlock, Democrats and Republicans across the state agree: These clean energy manufacturing jobs are good for Georgians and their families.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said solar panel manufacturer Qcells — which will invest over $2.5 billion in projects across Georgia, partially thanks to these tax credits — is “fantastic” and claims her constituents are “excited to have jobs.”
Rep. Barry Loudermilk, whose congressional district is home to a future Qcells facility, praised the company’s solar panel production as a “win for our state” and a “great source of jobs.”
Rep. Buddy Carter has noted that “countless American companies” have used the tax credits to make “major investments” in clean energy. His constituents alone stand to benefit from 11 new clean energy projects representing nearly $7.9 billion in investme nts and 7,400 new jobs announced after these tax credits were signed into law.
The congressman has supported preserving these private sector investments, which “increase domestic manufacturing, promote energy innovation and keep utility costs down,” he said.
Majority of Districts Benefiting from Tax Credits are GOP-represented
If Washington Republicans move forward with a GOP tax bill that repeals these clean energy tax credits, it’s their districts that will lose jobs and private investments: Three out of four clean energy projects that were announced or boosted following the passage of these tax credits have gone to House districts held by Republicans.
This is especially true in Georgia: 80% of the projects, 94% of the total investments and 75% of the proposed new jobs and investments are in congressional districts represented by Republicans.
By repealing clean energy tax credits to give a tax cut to the wealthy and well-connected, Washington Republicans could cause Georgia to lose up to 42,000 jobs in communities desperate for new jobs and investments. If the President and congressional Republicans were serious about bringing American manufacturing back to the United States, as I am, they would protect these tax credits.
Politics has a way of trying to make easy stuff complicated. I’ll tell you what’s not complicated — 51 new projects worth $28 billion all across our state and up to 42,000 new jobs.
Georgians are smart enough to know who is actually looking out for them. Now, it’s up to Georgians to ask their Congressional representatives: When the GOP tax bill comes up for a vote, are you going to protect good-paying Georgia jobs?
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Gov. Kemp Signs Bills Modernizing and Improving Public Safety in Georgia
Source: https://gov.georgia.gov
Governor Brian P. Kemp, joined by First Lady Marty Kemp, constitutional officers, members of the Georgia General Assembly, and law enforcement officers, signed legislation improving and making major investments towards modernizing public safety in the State of Georgia.
“All Georgians deserve to live in communities that are safe, and the way to accomplish that is by ensuring we have the best-trained, best-equipped law enforcement in the nation,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “By signing these pieces of legislation today, we are once again ensuring those who put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe have the technology and support, they need to succeed in that mission.”
Governor Kemp Signed Six Pieces of Legislation, Included Below:
HB 105, sponsored by Representative Will Wade, cosponsored by Representatives Matthew Gambill, Soo Hong, Lauren McDonald, Holt Persinger, and Chris Erwin, and carried in the Senate by Senator Bo Hatchett, was a priority of Governor Kemp that increased the indemnification benefit for public school employees from $75,000 to $150,000 in the case of death. Additionally, it includes language on notification to disabled peace officers about the Georgia State Indemnification Fund and the temporary disability compensation program.
HB 423, sponsored by Representative Will Wade, cosponsored by Representatives Sandy Donatucci, Matt Reeves, Deborah Silcox, Scott Hilton, and Clint Crowe, carried in the Senate by Senator John Albers, and championed by GEMA/HS, facilitates the transition to Next Generation 911 – a critical step in supporting Georgia first responders and keeping our communities safe.
HB 114, sponsored by Representative Lauren McDonald, cosponsored by Representatives Clint Crowe, Bill Hitchens,
Eddie Lumsden, Carter Barrett, and John Corbett, carried in the Senate by Senator Randy Robertson, and championed by the Department of Public Safety, updates the reference date for present federal regulations.
HB 116, sponsored by Representative Lauren McDonald, cosponsored by Representatives Clint Crowe, Bill Hitchens, Eddie Lumsden, Carter Barrett, and John Corbett, carried in the Senate by Senator Randy Robertson, and championed by the Department of Public Safety, changes the name of the Motor Carrier Compliance Division to Commercial Vehicle Enforcement.
HB 161, sponsored by Representative Clint Crowe, cosponsored by Representatives Matt Reeves, Kimberly New, Beth Camp, and Tyler Paul Smith, and carried in the Senate by Senator John Albers, grants the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) subpoena power for certain cyber-crimes and includes language from the Prosecuting Attorney’s Council (PAC) to update the domestic terrorism statute by relocating the meaning of domestic terrorism to the same code section as the penalty.
SB 185, sponsored by Senate Majority Whip Randy Robertson, cosponsored by Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch, Senators John Albers, Carden Summers, Max Burns, and Chuck Hufstetler, carried in the House by Representative Scott Hilton, and supported by the Georgia Department of Corrections, prohibits the use of state funds for sex reassignment surgery, hormone replacement therapies, or cosmetic procedures for inmates.
“By signing these pieces of legislation today, we are once again ensuring those who put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe have the technology and support, they need to succeed in that mission.”
Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock Upgrading Georgia’s Airports Through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
USSenators Reverend Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff today announced new bipartisan infrastructure law resources to upgrade Georgia’s airports.
Today, Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock announced more than $13 million in Federal funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law to upgrade and help maintain Georgia’s regional airports.
The Federal funding will support a broad range of development and infrastructure projects across the state to help ensure Georgia’s airports have the resources they need to support local businesses and communities.
“Georgia’s airports are a key driver of job creation and economic competitiveness. Alongside Senator Reverend Warnock, we are pleased to announce this funding through the bipartisan infrastructure law for airport upgrades across the State of Georgia. Our bipartisan infrastructure law will continue to deliver long-overdue upgrades to Georgia’s infrastructure for years to come,” Sen. Ossoff said.
“This investment in Georgia’s aviation infrastructure is critical to our state and its economy,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.
“I was proud to help pass a bipartisan infrastructure law that centers the people, and this new funding is a testament to the good we can accomplish when we reach across the aisle. I will continue to do all I can to strengthen Georgia’s aviation economy.”
Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock continue delivering resources to upgrade Georgia’s airports and strengthen economic growth.
Last October, Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock announced over $19 million in funding to Georgia airports through the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Terminal Program (ATP).
In September of 2024, Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock secured over $60 million in Federal investments for Georgia’s airports.
In May of 2024, Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock delivered over $120 million in Federal grant funding for airport infrastructure upgrades.
Young Harris and Savannah Awarded Grants to Advance Economic Mobility Initiatives
Source: Georgia Municipal Association
The cities of Young Harris and Savannah have each been awarded $20,000 in funding and hands-on capacity-building support from the National League of Cities (NLC) through its 2025 Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant program. Backed by the Gates Foundation, the initiative is designed to help municipalities implement strategies that foster upward economic mobility for their residents.
Alongside 10 other cities nationwide, Savannah and Young Harris will receive not only financial support but also direct technical assistance, peer learning opportunities, and strategic guidance from NLC experts. This assistance helps city leaders develop and expand programs that connect residents to quality jobs, support small business growth, and improve access to essential services.
THIS ASSISTANCE HELPS CITY LEADERS DEVELOP AND EXPAND PROGRAMS THAT CONNECT RESIDENTS TO QUALITY JOBS, SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS GROWTH, AND IMPROVE ACCESS TO ESSENTIAL SERVICES.
Young Harris will focus on increasing financial literacy. The city’s Main Street director will partner with Young Harris College and local apartment complexes to offer financial education classes to residents. “This grant allows us to invest in our residents by giving them access to the tools and knowledge they need for long-term financial stability,” said Young Harris Mayor Andrea Gibby.
Savannah will use its award to expand the Jumpstart Program, which connects high school students with industry-recognized certification opportunities. A new partnership with Groves High School will provide students in the school’s childcare learning track scholarships to earn Child Development Associate certifications. “We are grateful to the NLC for investing in the work we are doing every day to provide more opportunities to give our youth a jumpstart as they transition into adulthood,” Savannah Mayor and NLC Second Vice President Van R. Johnson II said.
“The National League of Cities is committed to helping local governments create thriving and resilient communities, which starts with ensuring economic mobility for every resident,” said NLC CEO and Executive Director Clarence E. Anthony. “Our Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant Program provides local leaders with the tools, funding and peer-to-peer connections they need to help create lasting pathways to financial stability and opportunity for their residents.”
Data from Opportunity Insights (PDF) notes that children experience greater economic mobility as adults when they grow up in communities with increasing employment rates, even when their own parents’ employment status stays the same.
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Leader of the Year Award Nomination:
Scott Stokes
2024
Deputy Director of Public Works – Operations
Department of Public Works, City of Marietta
Scott Stokes, Deputy Director of Public Works –Operations, is a seasoned professional with over 45 years of experience in local government.
Beginning his career as a Heavy Equipment Operator, Scott has risen through the ranks to become the Deputy Director of Public Works – Operations for one of the largest municipalities in the Metro Atlanta area. Prior to coming to the City of Marietta, he spent over 35 years with the City of Smyrna Public Works Department, mastering the profession in all phases and ending in the position of Director of Public Works. Scott joined the City of Marietta team in 2018 and has been a valuable member ever since that time.
At the City of Marietta, Scott is responsible for the Fleet, Sanitation, Streets, and Traffic Divisions. He plays a pivotal role in the planning, managing, and directing of their daily activities.
His leadership has been instrumental in the successful management of a building expansion and various other public works construction projects throughout the city.
Scott holds a vast array of certifications, including from the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government in Public Management and Public Works Management. He is also a State of Georgia licensed Water Distribution System Operator and a certified Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Inspector. As a member of several professional organizations, including APWA, AWWA, GAPWA, SWANA, and GRWA, he remains connected to the industry advancements and best practices.
Leadership defines Scott’s approach to his responsibilities. He establishes and communicates division policies, ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of division personnel and the public.
His leadership extends to directing the activities of supervisors in Fleet Maintenance, Sanitation, Streets, and Traffic, coordinating operations with other departments, and preparing written communications with government agencies. He ensures the success of every
employee under him and wants everyone to succeed to the best of their ability.
Scott’s management responsibilities encompass the development of both short- and long-term plans for the divisions, budget preparation and submission, and oversight of construction projects. With a keen eye for innovation, he has computerized the Community Development Department, implemented a work order software in Public Works, and established a multi-layered GIS/GPS mapping system of the City’s infrastructure.
In addition to his professional achievements, Scott is committed to community service. He served as an Essential Worker/Grand Marshal for the 2021 Let Freedom Ring Parade for the City of Marietta, demonstrating his dedication to both the citizens of Marietta and his position.
Scott’s impact is felt across the City of Marietta through his effective leadership, commitment to innovation, and unwavering dedication to public service. His nomination for the 2024 Leader of the Year Award stands as a testament to a career marked by excellence and continuous contributions to the community he serves.
Scott’s impact is felt across the City of Marietta through his effective leadership, commitment to innovation, and unwavering dedication to public service.
I’ll Be Right Back . . . In 24 Days
I’ll Be Right Back . . . In 24 Days
Michael P. Collins, PE, Commissioner of Public Works, Beverly, Massachusetts Member, APWA Emergency Management Knowledge Team
Disaster strikes, abruptly pausing the lives of those immediately impacted. Life becomes about the next moment and doing what is necessary to survive until that next moment. Choices are severely limited. Those who respond to disasters pause their own lives to aid those immediately impacted. Public works professionals know all about pushing that pause button. Long days, late nights, lost holidays, and missed kids’ games are all sacrifices made to help resume the lives of those impacted by disaster.
Disaster, in the form of Hurricane Helene, struck in the fall of 2024. The destruction caused by Helene impacted several states, but Western North Carolina saw flooding and devastation of a scale not seen in modern times. The deadliest storm since Katrina in 2005, Helene was recently listed by the NOAA as the seventh costliest US hurricane ever.
On September 25, 2024, as Helene was entering the Gulf of America, a team of 46 urban search and rescue specialists from Massachusetts prepared to deploy to Western North Carolina to prepare for the storm. The common belief at the time was that the selected location would put the team in a good position for an immediate
rescue operation, wherever the hardest hit area turned out to be. Weather forecasts predicted 20–30 inches of rainfall for the area. A later update to the forecast dismissed these initial predictions as a computer error. The next 36 hours would prove that the computer was, in fact, correct. By the time we arrived in Cherokee, North Carolina, some rivers were already swollen by an unexpected eight to 12 inches of rain. Helene had not yet hit.
When the team was briefed the next morning, there was no phone or internet service. We mobilized to a local emergency operations center (EOC) for direction. Before dawn, the convoy of trucks loaded with boats and tools headed out. Within hours, the team had boats in the water. Several residents were rescued from their damaged homes that were cut off by the raging waters of a normally small, peaceful creek. Their homes were destroyed and their cars swept away, but they were safe and in remarkably good spirits. Over and over, we met people suffering unimaginable loss, yet they were only focused on what they could do to help and asked if we needed anything from them. A local deputy worked with us for several days to help us navigate around closed roads. Only after we asked how he had made
Originally published in The APWA Reporter
out during the storm did he tell us that his mother was lost in the flood.
Being high in the mountains, the river water rose rapidly to incredible heights and fell just as quickly. In the morning, we saw major highways being washed away and rivers swallowing homes and cars, but by late evening, much of the water had receded and was now rushing downstream to create havoc in Tennessee and beyond.
Over the next several days, the team made first contact with several communities that were completely cut off from the outside world. Hundreds of landslides blocked roads, and bridges of all sizes were either washed away or heavily damaged. Instead of major highways, we used dirt roads to navigate through mountainous terrain. The concept of infrastructure began to take on new meaning. Public works professionals talk about culverts, and roadways, and all the other essential elements that make up a community. In an event as catastrophic as Helene, none of that matters. During this storm, much of that infrastructure was under 20–30 feet of water.
What really mattered were things like the auxiliary spillway on the North Fork Reservoir dam. The spillway had been constructed just a few years before
the storm, but because it worked as designed, it likely saved thousands of lives by protecting the earthen dam structure from erosion and almost certain failure. The dam’s failure would likely have wiped Asheville and several other communities off the map. This was a win for good engineering and construction. The best rescue is the one you never have to make. Hats off to the entire team involved in conceiving and creating this spillway.
As soon as the water began to recede, local DPWs and residents started to immediately put their communities back together. This happened within hours. Their incredible efforts allowed emergency crews access to areas so that we could provide rescue services. Not every need was immediate, but many people needed home oxygen support or even baby formula if they were to stay in their homes. Communication was still almost impossible, and most people wanted to get a message out to loved ones. In some cases, we were just asked to check on an elderly veteran that neighbors knew would be too proud to ask for help. We left the veteran with two cases of badly needed water, which shows we all need to look out for each other. The resilience of the people in Western North Carolina was impressive. Everywhere we looked, small farm tractors cleared debris and rebuilt driveways. When one job was done, they just moved to the neighbor’s house and started again. Their individual efforts in a time of overwhelming loss were very inspiring and fueled our work.
The greatest short-term need was clearing debris and rebuilding roads to facilitate search and rescue efforts. Miles of highway on I-40 were completely destroyed. Power and communication had to be restored quickly to facilitate recovery. At the height of the storm, 911 lines fell silent as power was lost and fiber optic lines were damaged. This was a terrifying turn of events that left local responders unaware of the disaster’s true scale. Teams fanned out across several counties to provide ground truth and direct resources to areas with the
greatest need. As the days turned to weeks, NCDOT swapped out trailer loads of waterlogged traffic control cabinets to replace them with newly refurbished units.
Water and sewer systems were wiped out in so many places. In the earliest days, we staged in a mall parking lot and were briefed on the day’s search area. Trucks full of ductile iron watermain pulled into the lot. “Black Mountain” was scrawled in chalk on the side of the pipe, a sign that somebody had watched the damage happening below the treatment plant for Asheville and had new pipe on the road almost as soon as the weather cleared. That person clearly knew the task at hand. Tens of thousands of people depended on that water, and a team of public works professionals was clearly doing everything in their power to restore the supply.
The Massachusetts team is composed largely of highly skilled firefighters from around New England. Several members
come from local public works departments. On this deployment, there were four public works professionals on the team. Very few urban search and rescue teams have members who come from a public works background. The most common tools in a rescue are identical to those used in construction. Saws, jackhammers, slings, and torches are very familiar to everyone in public works. Regardless of their day job, everyone on the Massachusetts team volunteers hundreds of hours per year to train as a team to be able to help in these types of emergencies. When all was said and done, the team worked for 24 days in five counties in Western North Carolina performing rescues and recoveries. That 24-day pause in their lives seems small compared to what so many are still facing due to the devastation from Hurricane Helene.
Mike Collins may be reached at mcollins@beverlyma.gov.
Take Charge of your Fleet
USDOT Offering $5.4 Billion for Bridge Funding, but Strikes Diversity Requirements
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy testifies before a House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing on the Department of Transportation budget, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., US, May 14, 2025.
REUTERS/Anna Rose Layden/File Photo
Source: Reuters – Reporter David Shepardson
The US government will make available $5.4 billion in grant funding for building, replacing or repairing bridges across the country under a 2021 infrastructure law, but is striking diversity requirements, the US Department of Transportation said.
USDOT said it was removing climate change, environmental justice and diversity, equity and inclusion from grant application requirements for bridges from the funding approved in 2021 under a $1-trillion infrastructure law signed by former President Joe Biden.
USDOT said separately it would end consideration of race or gender when awarding billions of dollars in federal highway and transit project funding set aside for disadvantaged small businesses.
In April, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said states could lose transportation funding over a failure to cooperate on federal immigration enforcement efforts or for maintaining DEI programs. Trump issued an executive order seeking to ban DEI programs in January.
Under Biden, bridge grant applicants had to address climate change impacts
and detail how proposed projects reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector and lifecycle emissions from the project materials, USDOT said on Monday.
Another requirement called for addressing how projects would create good-paying jobs with the free choice to join a union and how projects would promote local inclusive economic development and entrepreneurship, such as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, minority-owned business or women-owned business programs.
A Kentucky judge ruled in September that a federal program enacted in 1983 – the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program – violated the US Constitution’s equal protection guarantees. The program treats businesses owned by racial minorities and women as presumptively disadvantaged, making them eligible for funding.
The program was reauthorized in 2021 through the infrastructure law that set aside more than $37 billion for that purpose.
Congratulations to Walt McBride on His Retirement!
APWA Georgia proudly extends our heartfelt congratulations to Walt McBride on his retirement from the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government. We are deeply grateful for his remarkable contributions over the past 25 years, particularly through his dedicated work with the Certified Public Works Professional Management Program. Walt’s expertise, leadership, and commitment have left a lasting impact on our organization and the public works community.
Walt's expertise, leadership, and commitment have left a lasting impact on our organization and the public works community.
Walt McBride is pictured third from the left.
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