The Public Works Department encompasses the Water, Wastewater, and Streets divisions. Public Works is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the City’s infrastructure, including:
Drainage
Parks
Public Drinking Water system
Sewer System (also known as Wastewater)
Sidewalks
Streets
When major emergencies and/or natural disasters occur, Police and Fire come to mind, however the Public Works Department plays a major role in preparing for and responding to emergencies. Public Works provides assistance in planning and preparation prior to the emergency, and responding in the aftermath of major storms like hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms and floods. Although the response to these types of emergencies may last for hours or days, frequently the cleanup takes weeks or months to complete. It is Public Works that stays behind and works to restore normal operations and to return the City to a state that is as close to normal as possible, as quickly as is reasonably possible.