Washington, D.C. – The American Public Works Association (APWA) presented its prestigious 2011 Citation for Exemplary Service to Public Works Award to Senator James M. Inhofe of Oklahoma. APWA President George R. Crombie, MPA, BCEE, APWA Oklahoma Chapter President Paul Ryckbost, and APWA Oklahoma Chapter Delegate Keith Duncan bestowed the award. The APWA Citation for Exemplary Service to Public Works recognizes an eminent government or other public service leader for far-reaching positive impact on local, state or national public works programs, services, or policies through distinguished public service and commitment.
“On behalf of APWA, I am honored to present Senator Inhofe with this much-deserved recognition,”
said APWA President George Crombie. “During his 17-year tenure in the United States Senate, Senator Inhofe’s efforts and initiatives have contributed immensely to essential public infrastructure projects, our quality of life and the public works profession.”
At the same time, the APWA Oklahoma Chapter presented Senator Inhofe with their Oklahoma Citation for Exemplary Service to Public Works award in Washington D.C. “Currently serving as the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), Sen. Inhofe’s contributions and achievements on behalf of public works infrastructure have been substantial for the State of Oklahoma and the United States. It is an honor to present Senator Inhofe with the 2011 APWA Citation for Exemplary Service to Public Works,” said APWA Oklahoma Chapter President Paul Ryckbost. “From his years as a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, to his positions as minority leader of the Oklahoma Senate, Mayor of Tulsa, and Congressman from Oklahoma’s First Congressional District, to his present position as Oklahoma’s Senior United States Senator, Senator Inhofe has served Oklahomans and the public works profession with distinction and honor.”
“We applaud Senator Inhofe for his leadership and tireless support for rebuilding, maintaining and improving our nation’s public infrastructure,” Crombie said. “Infrastructure is the backbone of every community, and it strengthens and sustains our towns, cities and rural communities, improves our economic competiveness, protects the environment, public heath and safety and enhances our quality of life.”
As chairman of the Senate’s Environment and Public Works Committee from 2003 to 2006, Sen. Inhofe led the way in achieving passage of the 2005 surface transportation bill, the Safe Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, known as SAFETEA-LU, helping to shepherd the $286 billion legislation through the Senate with bipartisan support. Representing the largest surface transportation investment in our nation’s history, SAFETEA-LU provides funding to maintain and improve vital transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges and public transportation systems.
In 2007, Sen. Inhofe led the effort to prioritize Army Corps of Engineer projects through reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). The bill passed with significant bipartisan support. In addition, Sen. Inhofe has authored legislation to reauthorize the Economic Development Administration (EDA), established under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to generate jobs, help retain existing jobs, and stimulate industrial and commercial growth in economically troubled areas. EDA programs assist local communities with grants for the construction or upgrade of essential public infrastructure, such as water and wastewater systems and transportation facilities, to accommodate business expansion plans and attract jobs. Sen. Inhofe also played a key role in the recent Congressional passage of legislation requiring federal agencies to comply with local stormwater fees for treatment and management of polluted stormwater runoff.
Sen. Inhofe was elected to the Senate in 1994. He served in the House of Representatives from 1987-1994 and was Mayor of Tulsa, Oklahoma from 1978 to 1984. He served in the Oklahoma state legislature from 1967 to 1977.
About APWA
The American Public Works Association (www.apwa.net) is a not-for-profit, international organization of more than 28,500 members involved in the field of public works. APWA serves its members by promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy and the exchange of knowledge. APWA is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, has an office in Washington, D.C., along with 63 chapters across North America.