Larry Weiss with Central SDLTAP Retires

For some of you reading the SDML magazine you may not be familiar with SDLTAP. LTAP is Local Transportation Assistance Program. Our goal is assisting Cities, Counties, Townships, and Tribes with problem solving and training which has included personnel management.

My area of responsibility the past 13+ years has been 17 counties and cities within those counties in Central SD. I have worked with and assisted approximately 15 – 20 Class 1 and 2 cities. I have very much enjoyed working with Street Superintendents, Councilmen, and Commissioners in an effort to make improvements with limited funds. Based on my experience, Class 2 cities have the greatest need since in many cases you have one or two individuals trying to maintain utilities, streets, parks and “other duties as assigned”! I recall working in a Class 2 city with a recently hired street superintendent/utility manager. This individual recently left the military and being unfamiliar was seeking knowledge and information regarding street maintenance. We spent over two hours looking at street issues and discussing options for improvements. When I was ready to leave he said “I really appreciate your willingness to spend this much time trying to educate me.” My response was, “I have 45 years of knowledge in this head, if I am not willing to transfer it to others I am not doing my job.” I continue to feel that way and now have 51 years of engineering experience.

Larry Weiss I feel blessed in that I have had four careers; 37 Years with SD Army National Guard, 37 years with SD Dept. of Transportation, 12 years as a Pierre City Commissioner, and 13 years as a Service Provider with LTAP. No, I am not 99 years old, some of these were part time and overlapped; I am actually 77. As I retire on May 6, 2016, again I want to thank all of you for the opportunity to work with you and wish you well in your future challenges.

Larry Weiss Central SDLTAP Provider 605-222-4339