From Snowstorms To Potholes: St. Mary’s Honors Workers Keeping County Infrastructure Moving

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — From clearing snow-covered roads during winter storms to maintaining county buildings, airports and transportation systems, public works employees often perform essential tasks behind the scenes — work St. Mary’s County leaders said deserves greater recognition.

During the May 19 meeting of the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, Commissioner President Randy Guy presented a proclamation recognizing May 17-23 as National Public Works Week in St. Mary’s County. The annual observance honors the professionals responsible for maintaining infrastructure and public services communities depend on every day. The 2026 theme, “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community,” was established by the American Public Works Association and emphasizes the service-oriented role of public works departments.

Guy reflected on the importance of public works employees by recalling a recent winter weather event.

“You don’t realize how important they are to so many people until, uh, you have a good snowstorm with ice on top of it, and I witnessed that just this year,” Guy said.

He described struggling to leave his own driveway after an ice storm while county roads remained passable.

“I had a hard time getting in my driveway because of the ice on the snow … but you guys kept the main road clear by the time I got out of the driveway,” Guy said.

The official proclamation stated that National Public Works Week serves as an opportunity to “acknowledge and honor the professionals who provide, maintain and sustain our buildings, schools, roads, bridges, vehicles, equipment, water and sewer systems, utilities and other essential infrastructure.”

The proclamation also recognized the role public works professionals play in planning, building and maintaining infrastructure to ensure communities remain “functional and vibrant in the future.”

‘Rooted In Service’

Following the proclamation, John Norris, director of the Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T), thanked commissioners and highlighted the broad responsibilities carried out daily by county employees.

“On behalf of all of the men and women that work at the Department of Public Works and Transportation … those who show up before sunrise and stay behind after sunset,” Norris said. “Those who make sure the air conditioning is working on a 90-degree day … they work in all temperature extremes.”

Norris outlined the variety of services performed by DPW&T staff.

“They keep the roads open. They keep the trash flowing. They keep the airports open. They keep the buses running. They keep the offices clean with janitorial services,” Norris said. “They fill the potholes, they pave the new roads, they check the contractors, make sure the work’s being done well, that the water flows downhill.”

He added, “I truly appreciate everybody’s dedication at the Department of Public Works and Transportation and the commissioners for recognizing us.”

The remarks underscored how public works departments extend far beyond road maintenance, supporting transportation networks, capital projects, facilities management, inspections, stormwater systems, vehicle maintenance and custodial operations throughout the county.

Recognizing The Team Behind The Work

Norris concluded by introducing numerous DPW&T employees and leadership members in attendance, including transportation, airport, facilities, roads, stormwater management, development review and capital project staff.

Among those recognized were Alison Swint, deputy director of transportation and airport manager; Gary Ripple, deputy director of facilities and capital projects; Dan Fogel, deputy director of roads and stormwater management; and several program managers, inspectors, coordinators and maintenance personnel.

As communities rely on safe roads, functioning buildings, transportation systems and public infrastructure, county leaders said National Public Works Week offers an opportunity to recognize the employees whose work often goes unnoticed until emergencies arise.

About National Public Works Week

National Public Works Week has been observed annually since 1960 by the American Public Works Association to celebrate public works professionals and increase awareness of the essential services they provide. The 2026 theme, “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community,” highlights how public works employees support communities through infrastructure, maintenance and public safety services.

You can watch the full proclamation below at 15:51.

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