Allegheny County Department of Public Works
APWA Accreditation: "Commitment to Excellence"
First in Pennsylvania!!
Allegheny County Earns APWA Accreditation
On November 28, 2007, the County of Allegheny Department of Public Works became the first public works agency in Pennsylvania to be accredited by the American Public Works Association (APWA). They are the 46th agency in North America to have earned this prestigious award.
“It is an incredible honor to be recognized as one of the best public works agencies in the country,” said Director Tom Donatelli. “The need for change has continued to accelerate, and the APWA accreditation process has proven to be the perfect tool for assessing our operations. I am extremely proud of our employees who contributed to improving our practices in order to deliver high-quality services in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.”
The APWA accreditation program recognizes public works agencies that go beyond the requirements of the management practices established nationally in the public works industry. On a daily basis, accredited agencies meet or exceed standards of performance in areas such as engineering, road repair and maintenance, building and parks maintenance, and fleet management.
“It’s exciting to complete such a detailed review of an agency’s policies and procedures and then recommend them for accreditation,” said Ann Daniels, APWA accreditation director. “The Allegheny County Public Works Department is to be commended for their commitment to improving operations to enhance their internal performance and assuring their community they meet or exceed national standards through accreditation.”
Accreditation is not a destination; it is part of a continuous improvement process. It is the mark of professionalism that indicates that a public works agency is well managed, complies with recommended practices, and is dedicated to continuous improvement. In order to maintain our accredited status, we will be expected to maintain compliance with our newly established standards and constantly strive to improve our practices.
Thanks to all of our employees who have been instrumental in this achievement. Accreditation is the mark of excellence that will serve as a constant reminder of their dedication and commitment to the citizens of Allegheny County.
The Allegheny County Department of Public Works maintains 810 lane miles of road, more than 520 bridges, and 12,000 acres of parks and related facilities. In addition, the Department maintains and improves the building infrastructure and ensures the safety and reliability of the County’s vehicle fleet and heavy equipment.