For years, the Texas Public Works Association has given awards for projects and designs, mostly to management and engineering personnel. That has changed for 2010. This year, the Texas group, an affiliate of the American Public Works Association, is giving Field Awards in four categories, specifically to recognize the people who work in the streets and sewers and in other public venues.

Mark Hines, city engineer in Waco, reports, “One of our street managers once asked why the guys in the trenches never got any recognition. We followed up, and the result was an award program aimed at field personnel. I would encourage other organizations to do something similar.” The Field Awards are:

Field Excellence Award, for employees whose actions in the field had a significant impact in meeting the goals of public works in serving the public and protecting the environment.

Equipment Operator of the Year, for employees whose operation of equipment is outstanding and exceeds normal abilities.

Operations Excellence Award, for employees who developed or upgraded a program that had a significant impact on public services.

In-House Projects of the Year, for projects performed by public works personnel related to structures, transportation, environment, historic restoration or preservation, and disaster or emergency construction or repair.

Find out more at www.tpwa.org. This looks like a great idea that other industry associations could do well to emulate.