Proclaiming the Week of May 17 to May 23, 2026, to Be “National Public Works Week" in the State of Rhode Island

WHEREAS, In 1960, the American Public Works Association (APWA), sponsored having the third week of May recognized nationally as National Public Works Week. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy issued a proclamation in which he described public works as being “vitally important to our national health and welfare” and he praised “the dedicated efforts of public works professionals.” President Kennedy went on to further state that “it is in the public interest for the citizens and civil leaders of this country to gain knowledge of and to maintain a progressive interest in the public works needs and programs of their respective communities.”; and

WHEREAS, Through the years, National Public Works Week has ballooned in support across the United States and Canada, where more than 30,0 APWA members use this important week to raise awareness about the importance of public works in our daily lives. Every day, APWA members work diligently and tirelessly planning, building, managing, operating and fixing public works in order to improve the everyday quality of life in our communities; and

WHEREAS, The theme of this year’s National Public Works Week is “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community,” in which it is acknowledged that the roots of service run deep in public works. It is this deep desire to serve the public that has propelled public works innovations that have helped our communities evolve into places where people can lead lives of purpose and possibility. Some public works activities, such as building roads and bridges, is highly visible to the public, while other public works activities and contributions, such as maintaining water and sewer systems, are sometimes hidden from view, but are no less important. Together, all of these efforts form the foundation for thriving communities, reminding all of us that every project powers the connection between public service and the people it supports; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims the Week of May 17 to May 23, to be “National Public Works Week” in the State of Rhode Island; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the American Public Works Association.