Staying on top of the weather with ‘eyes’ on the road
Forecasts are seldom infallible with unexpected atmospheric shifts changing expectations and plans. One must also factor in microclimates, which can see some areas more affected by winter storms than others. However, imagine having a personalized, real-time weather forecast, not just … More from our cover sponsor →
Energy on Wisconsin: one-stop sustainable energy information
A popular mantra among the environmentally conscious during the past few decades has been a call for increased attention to renewable energy. At the same time, technological advancements in wind, solar, geothermal and hydroelectric energy, among other sustainable sources, has … Continue reading →
Solar-powered lights opening possibilities
Big and small, municipalities of all sizes are eyeing solar-powered LED lights, enticed by savings plus added safety and security. The lights are being utilized in a variety of settings, from pathways, residential roadways, public shelters and bikeways to parking … Continue reading →
Invest in Your Community’s Future — Invest in Solar
Solar PV (photovoltaics) is now an economically viable carbon-free energy source for municipalities to power a portion of their city’s electrical load. The economic viability of solar is a recent phenomenon in most places attributable to the downward trajectory of … Continue reading →
Bright spots in alternative energy options
In February, The Municipal presents special editorial coverage on energy — a topic appropriately scheduled for the month in which more than half of the country sees peak annual demand for residential natural gas, electric and heating oil supplies. As … Continue reading →
APWA invites you to join your peers in the heart of the Snowbelt for the 2015 Snow Conference in Grand Rapids, MI April 12-15, 2015.
APWA invites you to join your peers in the heart of the Snowbelt for the 2015 Snow Conference in Grand Rapids, MI April 12-15, 2015. We’re proud to bring the Snow Conference to Grand Rapids where they really know their … Continue reading →
Peracetic acid replaces chlorine at Florida wastewater treatment plant
MARTHA S. GRAHAM, | Guest columnist P.E., Director of Public Works, St. Augustine, Fla. GLABRA SKIPP | Guest columnist Environmental Compliance Analyst, St. Augustine, Fla. Since 2009 the city of St. Augustine, Fla., has been on the path to improve … Continue reading →
News & Notes
New APWA Certified Public Fleet Professionals credentialing Kansas City, Mo. — The American Public Works Association announced today that four public works fleet professionals recently earned the Certified Public Fleet Professional credential. The CPFP credential is for the seasoned government … Continue reading →
Flags of our cities Huntington West Virginia
Settled 1775 pop: 49,138 (2010) www.cityofhuntington.com The flag of Huntington, W.Va., is a fairly new one: It underwent a makeover in August 2004 at the hands of a public contest. Mike Steele, a graphic artist who lived in Huntington, created … Continue reading →
Curing bridge concrete from the inside out
Internally cured concrete bridge decks last longer. Maintenance costs for these bridges are lower, as the bridges crack less due to weather and deicing salt. Because of these facts, many states are now exploring and implementing the process. Traditional curing … Continue reading →
Ebola threat prompts examination of public health protocols
Although the imminent threat of an Ebola virus epidemic has waned since its initial appearance in the United States last fall, the prospect of the disease’s nationwide dispersal led many municipalities to take a renewed look at plans to combat … Continue reading →
You shall not pass: Dissuading motorists from hitting the road
Winter can be a beast, and its snowfall has already made 2014–15 memorable: particularly with snowstorm Knife. The storm dropped approximately 7 feet of snow in the Buffalo area, resulting in commuters being stranded — some for as long as … Continue reading →
From migrant worker to fire lieutenant
When Jorge Lara was a young boy, his parents were migrant workers in Florida. After dropping out of school, Lara figured that picking tomatoes was the only life he would ever lead. At 16, he became a first-time father. Today, … Continue reading →
Soil tillage and stormwater runoff
Among the geomorphic and hydrologic considerations of stormwater planning, soil types and conditions are often neglected. But stormwater control measures that are implemented on insufficiently permeable soil can lead to flooding, insufficient plant growth and even failure of the stormwater … Continue reading →
Madelia brings land back to life
A few years ago, the small south central city of Madelia came up with the brilliant idea to trademark itself as the “Pheasant Capital of Minnesota.” And why not? There are some 8,600 public access hunting acres within 20 miles … Continue reading →
Turning manhole covers into art
Some cities hold occasional “Art in the Street” competitions during long summer days, where boulevards are closed off and chalk artists of all ages come out to play. Functional and longer-lasting heavy metal art doesn’t usually share the same space … Continue reading →
I’ve got a crush on you
Should your community consider a glass crusher? It’s the little black dress of recyclable materials: It never goes out of style, it always looks great, it doesn’t decompose and it can be used again and again. However, despite its versatility, … Continue reading →