Manitoba Chapter

Notice: JavaScript is disabled in your browser; this website is JavaScript intensive and to get the best possible experience we recommend that you enable it.

American Politics Sinks National Public Works Week

Mar 29, 2010

It is official. Bi-partisanship does not exist in the House of representatives in Washington. If you thought the two parties could come together on anything, it would be to pass a resolution supporting National Public Works Week (NPWW), particularly in our 50th anniversary year. But, not this year given the rather intense partisan climate.

A short story about how Washington works, or does not work:

We have been working with House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee staff to move our annual, non-controversial NPWW resolution through the House. Committee staff took the language we submitted, which was based on the resolution approved last year by the full House, and added clauses referring to ARRA, stimulus, and job creation, along with other clauses, based on data presented to the Committee. (Click here for a link to H. Res 1125.) The Committee then passed the resolution unanimously and sent it on its way for floor action.

The resolution was on the calendar for floor action this week when a roll call vote was requested, an unusual move for a traditionally non-controversial resolution. Also, due to suspension of the rules, it takes a 2/3 vote to approve the resolution, rather than majority vote. When it became clear to us the resolution was being viewed through partisan glasses, we communicated with House Republican leadership and all minority members of the Committee Wednesday and Thursday, urging them to focus on the substance of the resolution -- recognizing and honoring public works -- and pass the resolution.

The vote yesterday was essentially a party line vote of 249-172 in favor of passage -- a clear majority but not two thirds, so the resolution failed to pass.

This morning, Friday, March 26, the House T&I Committee issued a press release entitled “House Republicans Oppose Honoring Public Works Professionals” along with comments by Chairman Oberstar. See http://transportation.house.gov/News/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=1150

We have also been working with the Senate to pass our original resolution and will continue to do so, and we have requested the White House to acknowledge the goals and ideals of National Public Works Week. Unless it cools off around here, who knows what will happen.

With cherry blossoms set to bloom and recess to begin next week, perhaps the partisan attitude will soften, but unfortunately, I don’t see that happening.

Peter B. King

APWA Executive Director
It is official. Bi-partisanship does not exist in the House of representatives in Washington. If you thought the two parties could come together on anything, it would be to pass a resolution supporting National Public Works Week (NPWW), particularly in our 50th anniversary year. But, not this year given the rather intense partisan climate.A short story about how Washington works, or does not work: We have been working with House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee staff to move our annual, non-controversial NPWW resolution through the House. Committee staff took the language we submitted, which was based on the resolution approved last year by the full House, and added clauses referring to ARRA, stimulus, and job creation, along with other clauses, based on data presented to the Committee. (Click here for a link to H. Res 1125.) The Committee t [ ... ]

Read Entire Article

APWA Submissions - CPWA Board Meeting

Jan 31, 2010

Attached are APWA contributions to the CPWA Board Meeting, held January 22, 2010.

2010-01-22 APWA Talking Points.pdf

2010-01-22 APWA QuarterlyTechnicalCommReports.pdf

Read Entire Article

Environment Canada Presentation - CPWA Board Meeting

Jan 31, 2010

Attached is a presentation by Environment Canada regarding Wastewater Regulatory Framework from January 22.

2010-01-22 Env Canada Wastewater Regulatory Framework.ppt

Read Entire Article

Tactix Presentation - CPWA Board Meeting

Jan 31, 2010

Attached is a copy of Tactix's Presentation at the CPWA Board Meeting January 22.

2010-01-22 Tactix Presentation.ppt

Read Entire Article

Canada's Economic Action Plan - Fourth Report

Dec 7, 2009

Attached is a copy of the recently-released Fourth Report to Canadians on the Government’s ongoing progress on implementing Canada’s Economic Action Plan. It is also online at http://www.actionplan.gc.ca/eng/feature.asp?pageId=156 (English) andhttp://www.actionplan.gc.ca/fra/index.asp (French)The Building Infrastructure section starts on page 67 of the attached.

CAPDEC2009_eng.pdf

Read Entire Article

Join Now Membership Overview National Contacts

Change Log