Earl Newman was honored this month as one of the American Public Works Association's Top 10 Public Works Leaders of the Year. The award is given to public works professionals from across the U.S. and Canada for their professionalism, expertise and career-long dedication and service. Newman is the fourth Springfield employee to receive the honor, following former Public Works directors William Hedges and David Snider and current director Marc Thornsberry. Also on the 2009 list is David Miller, Branson city engineer.
Q: What is your reaction to receiving the award?
A: It's humbling. I don't know that there are many occasions when a person has an opportunity to hear what their peers think of them. It's recognition of what our staff has done here. Without what they do, this award wouldn't have come our way.
Q: Why do you think Springfield has been recognized so many times for this award?
A: It's longevity. We have had, in most divisions, very long-term employees, and there's a continuity there. David Snider had been with the city for nearly 20 years, and Marc has been here for 16. I've been here 28 years. A number of our employees are long-term and have ... mentored those coming in.
Q: How have budget issues impacted the traffic division?
A: We've had attrition through retirements, and we aren't able to fill those positions. But the transportation fund, which is funded through gas taxes, is what drives our operation. The problem is that gas tax revenue is down $1.8 million this year and will probably drop as much as another $1 million next year. Gas usage drops with more efficient vehicles, driving less and alternative transportation.
Q: What projects are most important to alleviate city traffic issues?
A: We're getting a lot of pressure for improvements on South Campbell south of James River Freeway. We're working with (Missouri Department of Transportation) and Greene County to advance some improvements there. The major interchanges on the freeway system are points of interest for us - the freeway system rings the city, and there are few points where traffic can enter and exit the city. As development occurs outside the ring, a lot of people come in far enough to get on the freeway ring, take the freeway to wherever they're going and get off the ring to expedite their trip.
Q: How much work needs to be done?
A: We've identified $1 billion of road improvements that need to be made in the area. We could certainly do more with more money, but this is not the time. We think the voters appreciate what we do because they approve the (transportation sales tax) issues with 80-plus percent support. When citizen surveys say traffic is the biggest issue - more than crime - that says that people feel we have a safe community, but it also means that people see the area's growth, they know we're not keeping up on it, and they want us to try.
This installment of Springfield Business Journal’s Architects & Engineers Project Report showcases 26 endeavors by area design and engineering professionals.
