Dear APWA Mid Atlantic Chapter Members and Friends:

Hope everyone is having a fun and safe summer so far. Our Chapter has been busy since our Annual Conference in May with many events throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. The list of all of the Chapter events can be found on the Chapter website at APWA Mid-Atlantic Chapter. I have also been able to attend a few events this summer such as “Big Truck Day” at the Public Works Experience in Baltimore, MD, the kickoff social for the newly created Baltimore Region Activities Committee also held at the Public Works Experience and I was invited to be a speaker for a Congressional Briefing on Capitol Hill regarding “forever chemicals” that are found in drinking water in certain areas across the Country.

The Public Works Experience in Baltimore, hosts their ‘Big Truck Day” every year. This year’s event was well attended by the public and had several different speakers to kick off the event including Mayor Brandon Scott. This event allows the public to tour the Public Works Experience and visit many vendors that have equipment for everyone to view, climb on and take pictures with. The Public Works Experience is open every Saturday during the summer from 10 am to 2 pm. More information can be found at Public Works - The Public Works Experience. 

Our Chapter also hosted the first meeting/social for the Baltimore Region Activities Committee at the Public Works Experience. This event was well attended by many Public Works professionals from Baltimore and surrounding towns and counties. There were several speakers that introduced the APWA Mid Atlantic Chapter to the audience and explained the importance of starting this committee. This committee will play an important role in education, networking and professional development for professionals in this region. Our Chapter has several other activity committees that are very beneficial to these areas. 

On June 18, 2025, the American Public Works Association along with many other associations held a Congressional Briefing titled “PFAS Policy and Practice: The Role of Local Government and Essential Public Services” at the North Congressional Meeting Room at the United States Capitol Visitor Center.



This briefing provided an overview of the roles and responsibilities of local governments and essential public service providers in managing media containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) while safeguarding public health and the environment. Panelists discussed the impact of various policies on “passive receivers” of PFAS, including EPA’s designation of certain PFAS compounds as “hazardous substances” under CERCLA (i.e., the Superfund law). Representatives from research, local governments, public works, drinking water, wastewater, and solid waste offered perspectives on the role of PFAS passive receivers.

As you can see the Mid Atlantic Chapter has many events throughout the year so there are many ways to stay engaged and to get involved and if you have the time to participate, we have vacancies on several Chapter committees:

Audit Committee

DMV Activities Committee

Solid Waste Committee

Construction Committee

Membership Committee

Vector Control Advisory Committee

Diversity Committee

PACE Award

Young Professionals Committee

We will also be needed several hundred volunteers in 2029 as the Mid Atlantic Chapter will host PWX in Baltimore. Planning for this event will begin in 2026.

Other recent events included the PWX in Chicago August 17 -20, 2025 and our Chapter Reception at PWX on August 19, 2025, at Fatpour Tap Works-McCormick at 2206 S Indiana Ave from 6:30 to 8:30.



If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, you can contact me at jwilkerson@cityofmartinsburg.org.

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the summer and Stay Safe!

PFAS Briefing 2025

Jeff Wilkerson, President, APWA Mid-Atlantic Chapter, Director of Public Works, City of Martinsburg, WV

On June 18, 2025 the American Public Works Association along with many other associations held a Congressional Briefing titled “PFAS Policy and Practice: The Role of Local Government and Essential Public Services” at the North Congressional Meeting Room at the United States Capitol Visitor Center.



This briefing provided an overview of the roles and responsibilities of local governments and essential public service providers in managing media containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) while safeguarding public health and the environment. Panelists discussed the impact of various policies on “passive receivers” of PFAS, including EPA’s designation of certain PFAS compounds as “hazardous substances” under CERCLA (i.e., the Superfund law). Representatives from research, local governments, public works, drinking water, wastewater, and solid waste offered perspectives on the role of PFAS passive receivers. The following were the panelists for this briefing:

• Anne Germain, Chief of Technical & Regulatory Affairs, National Waste & Recycling Association (Moderator)
• Sally Brown, Research Professor, College of the Environment, University of Washington
• Chris Ball, Vice President, Environmental, Health and Safety, WM
• Jeff Wilkerson, Director of Public Works, City of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Jason Dadakis, P.G., C.HG, Executive Director Water Quality and Technical Resources, Orange County Water District, California
• Amanda Waters, General Counsel and Deputy General Manager, AlexRenew, Alexandria, Virginia
• Nick Rodricks, Chief, Bureau of Solid Waste Management, Baltimore County, Maryland

The briefing was from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and consisted of the following topics:

• Welcome and Introductions
• PFAS 101
• Who are Passive Receivers
• Why CERCLA Matters
• Why it Matters to You
• What Can Congress do?
• Moderated Panel Discussion
• Audience Questions and Comments

As the representative for Local Government in this briefing, I focused on topics that affect municipalities and local budgets. Some of my discussion points included the background regarding the City of Martinsburg, WV, Operation and maintenance costs, the Granular Activated Carbon facility to remove contaminates, GAC media replacement, increased costs since 2019, discussed City services that might be affected in the future due to increasing costs for this process.

This briefing was well attended by Congressional staffers and professionals from the drinking water and wastewater industry. The audience was very interested in the topics discussed and had many comments and questions following the briefing.

If there are any questions or concerns regarding PFAS or forever chemicals, there are many resources online including www.epa.gov. or you can reach out to me at jwilkerson@cityofmartinsburg.org. 

The Mid-Atlantic Region is the World’s Largest Data Center Market

Denise Nelson, Denise Nelson Advising, LLC

While the US is home to 40% of the data centers in the world, Virginia leads the US (and many other countries) with over 600 hyperscale (large) data centers in the state. Filling out the region, Maryland has 44, West Virginia has 7, and DC has 7 (at the time of publication, according to www.datacentermap.com). The region has attracted this development as a historic internet hub supported by four undersea cables at Virginia Beach and due to proximity to the nation’s capital, affordable and abundant electricity, competitive construction costs, and large pool of construction workers. In Virginia, the 2010 data center tax exemptions spurred development. Now Maryland is piloting a fast-track permitting option for data centers. The industry expects the trend to continue and the number of facilities to skyrocket exponentially. Economic development agencies love the influx of tax revenue, creation of jobs, and increases in total economic output. Localities that manage land use permits are creating policies to manage land conversion, visibility, and noise. The federal administration released several relevant executive orders and, recently, an AI Action Plan supporting continued growth in the industry. Multidisciplinary collaboration is necessary to coordinate energy resources (generation, grid improvements, waste heat, and greenhouse emissions), water resources (availability, treatment, distribution, and reuse or disposal) and other impacts on society, the environment, and the economy at the local and regional scales. In 2023, 92% of all new investments in Virginia were related to data centers (www.nvtc.org/communities/data-center-and-cloud/report). Additional growth in this industry means we are ALL working in this industry.

Rinker Materials Expands Precast Concrete Operations into Virginia

Hank Gottschalk, Rinker Materials

In response to the demand for additional precast concrete producers in the region, Rinker Materials has opened a new precast production facility in Doswell, VA. The new Doswell Plant produces precast drainage inlets, manholes, and other precast products to serve the region’s buried infrastructure needs.

Rinker Materials, a QUIKRETE Company, is the nation’s largest manufacturer of concrete pipe, box culvert, precast and related products. Founded in 1964, Rinker Materials became part of The Quikrete Companies in 2017. Expanding on its leadership position, in March of 2022 Quikrete purchased Forterra Pipe & Precast and integrated it into Rinker Materials. Rinker Materials is recognized as an industry leader in product innovation, technical expertise, high-quality products, safety, and customer service.



For more information or to schedule a plant tour contact:

Hank Gottschalk, (540) 280-9281, henry.gottschalk@rinkerpipe.com.

The city has temporarily renewed its contract with Throne Labs, which just reopened its stand alone, high-tech public restrooms after shutting them down in July after funding lapsed. Six “Thrones” equipped with A/C, sinks, menstrual products, and baby stations are now back in operation near high-traffic spots like Dupont Circle and the National Mall. The city has budgeted $1 million in fiscal year 2026 for expanded public restrooms, including up to 10 “Thrones” and a new full-time restroom program manager at the Department of Public Works.

Read the Full Story Here

The fourth annual Plant Native! Festival will take place on October 18, 2025, at Dorey Park in Henrico, Virginia. The festival is a celebration of native plants, the ecosystems they support, and local organizations working hard to protect the environment. As the largest event of its kind in Virginia, it brings together a wide variety of regional native plants in one location making it easy to find site-specific selections for your home garden or patio. In addition, guests can look forward to information booths, kids’ activities, workshops, an insect costume contest, and food trucks. Entry to the festival is free. It is held in conjunction with, and adjacent to, the Dorey Park Farmers Market.

Native plants and the services they provide are particularly important to understand for those in public works sectors who aim to protect water quality, reduce runoff, and restore habitats. Having evolved over time, native plants are well adapted to Virginia’s intense summer fluctuations and unpredictable winters. In fact, native plants are highly valued by busy gardeners, as they require little to no supplemental watering once established except in the case of severe drought conditions. Unlike turf grass, native plants typically have deep root systems. These deep roots enhance their drought tolerance and facilitate the infiltration of runoff by creating channels through the soil. And really, who doesn’t love a plant that helps manage stormwater?

The Plant Native! Festival steering committee believes everyone can find a reason to love native plants whether it's their crucial role in protecting watersheds (a priority for many in the APWA community), restoring the food web, or the unique beauty of Virginia’s flora. Native plants can offer something meaningful for everyone.

We invite everyone to come to the festival and experience all it has to offer. For more information, visit the Plant Native! Festival webpage or email Megan Brown, Keep Henrico Beautiful, at megan.brown@henrico.gov.

Brown Belted Bumblebee on Swamp milkweed, Asclepias incarnata

Wild bergamot, Monarda fistulosa

As the heat and humidity have increased in Maryland, so too has the number of flash floods. The state has had at least 51 flash flood warnings so far this year, it's most since 2020, according to the National Weather Service. Maryland had 45 warnings throughout all of 2024.

The increase in flooding this summer comes after a roughly two-year long period of drought in Maryland, according to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s restoration specialist Rob Schnabel. “Once the soil is really dried out, and kind of baked somewhat with the heat temperatures, it actually has less ability for water to infiltrate into the ground,” he said. “Healthy soil is 25% air, 25% water and then the rest is solid material. But once you bake the ground and lose that water vapor in the ground, you lose that sponge effect.”

Another key issue, Schnabel added, is Maryland’s lack of stormwater management as continued urban development leads to more impervious surfaces, like parking lots or roadways, which can’t soak up water and instead create more runoff.

Learn more

In June of 2023, the County of Henrico acquired the vacant bank building at 4921 Lakeside Avenue. The bank building is in the Richmond city limits and the bank drive-thru is in Henrico. This is where Henrico starts its 7.5-mile section of the Fall Line Trail to Hanover County. Prior to the purchase of the building for the trailhead the County completed a sewer replacement project which included the repaving the building parking lot. Water and sanitary sewer were also added for the trail’s future restroom.

The 1964 bank building had been vacant for about 4 years. After the County’s acquisition, various options were considered to pair the building with the trailhead. The opportunity was introduced to have the Richmond Sports Backers lease the building for their active living hub which developed into the perfect solution to activate the trailhead. Sports Backers have been the regional force behind large-scale participatory events, training programs, fitness clubs for an active community. They have also been a key partner in the development of the Fall Line Trail.

The interior was recently renovated into their new office, and the drive-thru tellers were renovated and expanded into a fitness studio. The clock cupola over the drive-thru was removed, and the building exterior trim was replaced to update the exterior profile. The north side of the building is in the design phase to become the site amenities for the trailhead. The amenities will include a terrace, public restrooms, picnic tables, benches, bike racks, and a Fix-It bike stand. The site amenities are planned for completion mid-2026.

Henrico’s Section 1 of 8 of the Fall Line Trail starts at the city line in front of the building and turns east at Park Street, goes through the previous bank ATM drive-thru and stops at Spring Park. Section 1 is about a quarter mile of 12’ wide paved trail with pedestrian crossing upgrades at Lakeside Avenue which include new ADA ramps, refuge median and a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB). In July 2024, Henrico had their ribbon cutting ceremony for Section 1. The trailhead is projected to be completed by mid-2026. Fall Line Trail will be a 43-mile multimodal transportation effort to connect the communities from Ashland to Petersburg.

Baltimore County’s roads are getting safer and brighter thanks to a series of forward-thinking improvements led by the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPWT). In a strong show of commitment to public safety, DPWT has launched a countywide initiative to install LED enhanced traffic signage and lighting systems designed to improve visibility, reduce accidents, and create a safer experience for both pedestrians and drivers.

The new installations include illuminated crosswalks, flashing stop signs, and LED curve warning signs that enhance awareness and responsiveness. These upgrades not only provide visual clarity in low-light conditions but also help alert motorists earlier to changing road conditions or potential hazards. From school zones to suburban intersections and rural curves, these improvements are being strategically placed in locations where safety matters most.

For pedestrians, especially those in school areas or heavily trafficked zones, the addition of LED lit crosswalks has made a noticeable difference. The bright illumination ensures that people crossing the street are more easily seen by approaching drivers, significantly lowering the risk of collisions and improving confidence among walkers, joggers, and students.

Drivers are also seeing improvements. New LED enhanced curve warning signs are being placed on roads known for sharp bends or reduced nighttime visibility. These signs use flashing lights to increase awareness, encouraging drivers to slow down and proceed with caution. The goal is to reduce crashes caused by excessive speed or inattention, particularly in areas where road geometry plays a critical role in safety. Additionally, the department has launched a pilot program featuring LED stop signs at intersections with a history of poor visibility or high non-compliance rates. These signs are bordered by flashing LED lights that make them more noticeable, even from a distance or during inclement weather.

LED technology offers a number of benefits beyond safety. These signs are energy-efficient, have a longer service life, and require less maintenance than traditional alternatives. They support the County’s sustainability efforts while also reducing the costs and time required for sign replacements and repairs.

The results have been overwhelmingly positive. Residents have reported feeling safer crossing at newly illuminated intersections, and early feedback suggests that driver behavior is improving where enhanced signage is installed. The community response has reinforced DPWT’s belief that proactive investments in smart infrastructure can make a real difference in everyday life.

“Every investment we make in road safety is an investment in the lives of Baltimore County residents,” said Anthony Russell, Deputy Director of DPWT. “By leveraging LED technology, we’re not just improving visibility, we’re helping to prevent accidents and protect everyone who uses our roadways.”

Baltimore County’s Traffic Engineering Division is responsible for maintaining thousands of signs countywide will continue evaluating new locations for LED signage based on data, community input, and roadway conditions. The department encourages residents to share feedback or suggest additional areas where LED enhancements might improve safety.

By embracing modern technology and focusing on the safety of all road users, the Baltimore County Department of Public Works and Transportation is taking meaningful steps to make our streets safer, more efficient, and better equipped for the future. Whether on foot or behind the wheel, residents can look forward to a smarter and safer travel experience throughout the county.

The City of Lynchburg Public Works and Police Department are proud to announce the completion of our new Police Department Building. The recently completed project is the result of years of planning and development efforts as the project evolved into the beautiful state-of-the-art facility that we see today.

The project was structured as a design-build under a PPEA with English Construction as the primary contractor for the project. Lynchburg Public Works was an integral team member for the $47m+ project with Clay Simmons, P.E. - Lynchburg Deputy Public Works Director - taking the lead role of managing the project and maintaining a collaborative partnership with the Police Department and English Construction throughout the duration of construction.

Over the years preceding the project, the Lynchburg Police Department was spread out over four different facilities with square footage totaling approximately 45,000 square feet. Staff and equipment were cobbled together in makeshift spaces, none of which were designed to function as a modern law enforcement facility.

The project consisted of land acquisition, design and construction of a modern, state-of-the-art building to meet the current and future law enforcement needs for the City of Lynchburg. The main building is three stories tall and is just under 94,000 square feet in area. Future expansion of the building was incorporated into the design to allow for a 2-story expansion within the existing building footprint. The scope of work included the entire site development – stormwater, utility infrastructure, site grading, parking facilities (including a separate rolling asset building), site security, lighting, landscaping, and building construction – foundation and structure to the roof including all systems and furniture, finishes and equipment necessary to operate the building as a Police Department upon completion.

The building is technology intensive and fully integrates the use of technology in just about every system in the building ranging from security and access controls to control systems for heating and air. Audio visual systems and displays are provided throughout the building. Technology use in the building is probably best exemplified by the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) which will integrate and present A/V data from multiple sources to track and monitor incidents as they occur.

The project architects were Architects Design Group (ADG) of Winter Park, Florida and Dominion 7 Architects of Lynchburg. Hurt & Proffitt Engineers of Lynchburg handled site survey and civil design of site improvements including parking, stormwater, and utilities in addition to inspection and testing services. The City also utilized Downey & Scott, LLC as owner’s representatives for the construction.

Project timeline:

2016 - A feasibility study is completed to assess existing sites and facilities for the Courts Complex and the Police Department.

2020 - A space needs assessment was completed which assessed the existing spaces and operations to determine the framework for a new modern law enforcement facility which also planned for the department’s growth for a period of at least 50-years. Proposals are solicited for design to begin. The project is structured as a design bid build project at this point.

2021 - An unsolicited Public Private Partnership proposal received from English Construction. A competitive solicitation for proposals is made which results in two proposals being received. English is ultimately selected as the successful offeror. Under the PPEA, the project is now structured as Design Build with English as the General Contractor.

2022 - The Notice To Proceed was issued on October 14, 2022 and provided 847 days for the completion of construction.

2025 - Certificate of Occupancy for the Building was issued March 14, 2025.

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) has launched a public safety campaign for those riding bicycles, electric scooters, e-bikes, mopeds, and similar forms of transportation. The campaign includes, among others, these items:

• Riders of bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, and similar forms of transport who are under the age of 15 must wear helmets.
• Riders must always yield to pedestrians on sidewalks and pathways and are required to provide an audible signal before passing.
• Only one person is allowed on e-bikes and scooters.
• Certain types of e-bikes and scooters are prohibited on sidewalks or trails, depending on their maximum speed or class.

Read more here

Also see new county webpage

City of Suffolk Honored with VDOT’S 2025 UCI Locally Administered Program Award

Jennifer Moore

Suffolk, VA (June 18, 2025) — The Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) Hampton Roads District Office has proudly presented the 2025 UCI Locally Administered Program (LAP) Award to the City of Suffolk, Public Works department, recognizing its outstanding performance in managing transportation projects through the Urban Construction Initiative (UCI).

The UCI LAP Award honors the locality in the Hampton Roads region that demonstrates exemplary leadership, accountability, and effectiveness in administering transportation projects. The City of Suffolk stood out for consistently meeting project funding and allocation schedules, maintaining adherence to project estimates, and demonstrating strong management of both state and federal funding sources.

“This award is a testament to the City of Suffolk’s commitment to excellence in transportation planning and project execution,” said Wanda Moore Program Manager for VDOT's LAP Urban division. “Their proactive approach to infrastructure improvement offers a model for other localities in the region.”

The Urban Construction Initiative empowers local governments to transition from managing individual transportation projects to administering their entire transportation programs. It encourages local ownership while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.



Currently, six Hampton Roads localities participate in the UCI: Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach. The City of Suffolk’s recognition with this award reflects its leadership in advancing safe, efficient, and innovative transportation solutions for its residents.

For more information, please contact Suffolk Public Works at 757 514 – 7725. 

26th Annual James River Cleanup

Demolition begins on last pieces of Baltimore’s collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge

Associated Press

Demolition of the remnants of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge has begun and is expected to last nine months. Crews are cutting the concrete deck into six-foot sections and transporting the debris to be recycled. The bridge's $1.7 billion replacement is scheduled to open in 2028, though officials say the cost and timeline may need to be reevaluated in light of emerging tariffs and potential supply chain issues.



Full Story Here

Funding Shortfalls Loom for Road and Bridge Maintenance

Construction Dive

States are facing a potential funding shortfall over the next decade that could hinder road and bridge maintenance, according to an analysis by The Pew Charitable Trusts. Twenty-four states report a combined $86.3 billion gap, despite increased spending from pandemic relief and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. "Many states and localities struggle to make the investments necessary to preserve and maintain their transportation systems," according to the Pew report.



Full Story

Governor Moore Announces 2025 Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards Winners

Governor Wes Moore, Press Release (April 3, 2025)

Governor Wes Moore today presented the 2025 Maryland Sustainable Growth Awards on behalf of the Sustainable Growth Subcabinet. The awards recognize individuals, organizations, and programs that exemplify well-planned economic and community development initiatives with outstanding care towards sustainability throughout the state. 



Full Story

DC ranks No. 2 in Electric Vehicles

WTOP

When compared to states, the District ranks No. 2 behind California for sales of electrified vehicles in the second quarter, including pure EVs, hybrids and hybrid plug-ins, according to the Alliance for Automotive Innovation.

One reason for strong EV sales in the District may be incentives. “D.C. offers up to $1,000 for the cost of installing a charger for private residences, but also a larger tax credit for those who are installing nonresidential chargers that contribute to the infrastructure,” said Brian Moody, executive editor at Kelley Blue Book. “And in some cases, you can get a reduced registration fee.”



Full Story

Turner Station Park (Baltimore County, MD) Advances to a Climate-Resilient Future

The Nature Conservancy

Turner Station Park, located along the Patapsco River, is a Chesapeake Bay access point about 20 minutes outside downtown Baltimore, Maryland. Turner Station has challenges: pollution from a previous steel mill, proximity to a landfill, fish consumption advisories, and flooding exacerbated by climate change. But now, thanks to Baltimore County, partners, and local stakeholders, Turner Station is beginning to envision a cleaner, safer future.

Read about the activities and outcomes here

Maryland’s New Solar Law

Bethesda Today

The Renewable Energy Certainty Act passed Maryland’s legislature as part of a three-bill energy package focused on bolstering in-state power generation amid soaring utility bills across the state. The law sets:

• uniform, state-wide standards for solar facilities limiting the traditional ability of counties to set solar zoning rules.
• a ceiling on solar projects at 5% of any one county’s agricultural “priority preservation areas.” 

Full story

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