Operating Budget 2025-2026

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

NARRATIVE

The Public Works Department is committed to providing high quality services to the public in a safe, timely, and professional manner. Our mission includes the use of progressive and innovative methods of enhancing and maintaining public facilities, infrastructure, and landscape. FY 2024-2025 ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Administered and supervised $2.3 million of street resurfacing projects throughout town. • Administered and supervised parking lot resurfacings throughout town including Kipps Elementary. • Completed the design and construction of Phase II of the South Point Park parking addition. • Completed numerous storm water repair and maintenance projects to include outlet protection reconstruction, pipe network replacement, and ditch line reconstruction. • Implemented a full-time street sweeping program estimated to remove over 500 tons of debris and organic material from the roadway and/or stormwater system and watercourses. • Completed the construction of the Grit Dewatering Bed located at the PW facility. • Completed new HVAC unit installation for the Recreation Center Gymnasium and Community Room, Public Works administration building, and Thomas-Conner House. • Completed the Aquatic Center skylight removal, roof recoating, and began replacement of the DECTRON, HVAC, and dehumidification systems. • Completed numerous projects at the Price House to include roof replacement, shed repair and roof replacement, insulation, chimney repointing and repair, and fence repainting. • Installed new or replacement emergency back-up power generators at the Public Works facility and Recreation Center. • Continue work on the Public Works Master Plan and begin design for the office and garage renovation and expansion. • Attained National Tree City USA status for the thirty-fourth (34th) year for the care and maintenance of Blacksburg’s Urban Tree Canopy. During Arbor Day, 28 trees were planted in the Town Tree Nursery, 60 evergreen screening trees were planted along the Municipal Park softball and soccer fields, and 20 trees were planted in Heritage Park and Bicycle Park. • Provided Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) certification training for 13 Town Employees which allows them to safely and legally apply pesticides to our Town properties. • Designed and installed landscaping and hardscape features in the interim Draper Road Area. • Worked with the Odd Fellows Committee/Blacksburg Museum/Virginia Tech Foundation on designing a future landscape plan at the Odd Fellows Hall which addressed their need to incorporate historical plantings while creating a vibrant space to host future events. • Provided staff training for the following areas: Lockout/tagout, Fire safety, Hazard communication, Heat stress, Flagging, Heavy Equipment, CPR, AED, First Aid, PPE, CDL class A and B training, Trenching and Excavation, Snowplow Simulator, Confined Space, Chainsaw Safety, and Silica Awareness.

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