Public Works Week May 2012

 
City of Lake Charles Public Works Department Recognizes National Public Works Week

 

On Friday, May 18, the City of Lake Charles announced local recognition of National Public Works Week with a kickoff ceremony at the Public Works Administrative Office.  Mayor Roach presented a City of Lake Charles Proclamation declaring May 20 to 26 as National Public Works Week, and he thanked the Public Works employees for their service.   Mister Edwards, Director of Public Works, gave remarks regarding the importance of the City's Public Works Department and its employees, and John Cardone, City Administrator, expressed his appreciation to the Public Works employees for all they do in serving the community. 

 

Said Mayor Roach:

"It is important that the public is reminded of the many services provided by the Public Works Department.  Each of our divisions has its own special duties which contribute to the whole operation of Public Works and, in turn, helps provide for a better quality of life for all of us. Day in and day out, the public sees Public Works employees hard at work but these employees are largely "unsung heroes" who quietly go about their daily job and do it well.  It is only fitting that a special week be set aside each year to reflect on all the many things they do throughout the year to make life better for all the citizens of our community."  

 

The following is an overview of the division by division responsibilities of the City of Lake Charles Public Works Department:

  • The Street Division is responsible for maintaining 503 miles of streets, 1,701,945 linear feet of sidewalks.  They are responsible for maintaining the drainage system throughout the City.  This division is also responsible for beautification of the City, including mowing, planting, fertilizing, and tree trimming for all City owned property. 

 

  • Solid Waste provides trash and garbage service to 25,831 homes within the City of Lake Charles.  They also maintain two permanent recycle stations, the roving recycling program, as well as pick up recycling from 30 local schools.

       

  • The Water Division operates and maintains six water treatment plants, 17 water wells, 430 miles of water mains, 2,500 fire hydrants, and provides service to over 29,000 households and businesses.  Each day this division delivers an average of approximately 11 million gallons of water to residents of our City and outlying areas.

 

  • The Wastewater Division provides municipal wastewater service to over 28,000 households and commercial businesses.  An average of 11 million gallons per day are biologically treated by four treatment plants.  The City also operates over 135 lift stations and 500 miles of pipe to convey the wastewater to the biological treatment plants.

 

  • Building Maintenance is responsible for maintaining 129 City facilities.  These facilities include Public Work facilities, City Hall, the Lake Charles Civic Center, fire stations and the training center, police stations, recreation centers and concessions, pools, ball fields, and the Mallard Cover Golf Course.

 

  • The Vehicle Maintenance Division is responsible for maintaining approximately 1,155 City vehicles.

 

  • The Communications and Traffic Division maintains, installs, repairs and fabricates all traffic control signs on City streets as well as maintains and repairs and operates the 66 signalized intersections on City streets In addition, the division also performs minor maintenance on the 67 state owned signals on state highways within the City.  This division is also responsible for maintaining all radio and communications equipment for Public Works, the Lake Charles Fire Department and the Lake Charles Police Department as well as all emergency sirens, signals and lighting.

 

  • Transit averages 228,935 passengers per year with 181 stops and 12 drivers, five fixed routes, and Para-transit as an additional service route.  Transit is servicing with five buses and two Para-transit vehicles.

                                 

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The City of Lake Charles fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities.   For more information, or to obtain a Title VI Complaint Form, see the City of Lake Charles website- www.cityoflakecharles.com  or call the Mayor's Action Line at (337) 491-1346, or contact the appropriate Department Head, or call the Title VI coordinator at (337) 491-1440.