What’s eating away at your vehicle
De-icing chemicals: A growing threat Motor vehicles face a constant battle against the elements, with one of the most insidious threats being corrosion. In colder climates where snow and ice are prevalent, it’s not uncommon to see traditional road salt … More from our cover sponsor →
Meth: a primer
No municipality is immune from the effects of one of America’s most insidious enemies: methamphetamine. Its impact on individuals, families and communities is ruthless; its purveyors are relentless; and the costs of both ignoring it and fighting it are enormous. … Continue reading →
Historic bridge reuse in the Heartland
Reusing a bridge that has been deemed historically significant preserves local and cultural heritage, and represents a responsible use of resources. The federal program that mandates this type of transfer of ownership, however, as well as mitigation of the impact … Continue reading →
Fleet cost management — It starts with the trucks you buy
By ROBERT “BOB” JOHNSON | Director of fleet relations, NTEA As a fleet manager, you probably spend a significant portion of your time looking for ways to control operating costs. Fuel is always a big portion of a fleet’s budget, … Continue reading →
Branching out
When it comes to identifying the root cause of power outages in the United States, it’s not going too far out on a limb to say that trees are responsible for approximately 30 percent of them. When one tree branch … Continue reading →
Four-wheel carts hit the gas
Quick, convenient and less expensive than heading out onto the highway, golf carts have long been darlings of the post- 8-to-5 crowd. Ecologically minded residents embrace the low emissions; and in communities that permit their widespread use, residents describe the … Continue reading →
Make public information a stormwater program priority
Launching a successful stormwater program can be hard work, and gaining the support of local legislators and the public presents an added challenge. Over the last several years, Lynchburg, Va., has proven that, while gaining community support may not always … Continue reading →
Powering City Hall with the Sun
City hall employees in Falcon Heights, Minn., can call themselves sun worshippers of the safest kind: They don’t have to worry about sunburn or melanoma. According to city administrator Bart Fischer, he and his staff have been enjoying the building’s … Continue reading →
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 →