WMBCTV: Public Works Week Highlighted at Rockland County Regional Expo

It’s a rare behind-the-scenes look at the machines that keep our roads clear, communities safe and infrastructure running. Rockland County’s Highway Department hosted the 35th Annual Equipment and Products Exposition, drawing highway crews, engineers and officials from across the region just in time for National Public Works Week.

“This is the annual APWA, American Public Works Association, equipment show,” said Skip Vezzetti, Rockland County Superintendent of Highways. “This week of May is National Public Works week which recognizes the hard work of the men and women who are your highway department, your sewer departments and all your other public works people.”

Officials say that while this is a time of showcasing new equipment, they also say it’s a time to reflect on what’s changed over the years.

“There’s really little hand work done any longer,” said Vezzetti. “As you see, the equipment gets not always larger but it’s more productive and it’s safer.”

Officials say it’s not just about maintaining roads and sewers, but also modernizing for sustainability and safety.

“Safety is really the key to everything that we do,” said Vezzetti. “All our men have to be certified in the different aspects of safety… not only for themselves and their fellow employees, but our guys are out on the road. If they see an accident or something, they can assist.”

While many say National Public Works Week is a moment to recognize how the role of public works has evolved, they also say it’s important to acknowledge the role of public works employees in the community.

“When you have hurricanes, snow, you gotta remember our guys are out there first. We’re the guys that gotta clear the roads,” said Vezzetti. “We’re working under the most dangerous of circumstances… These people are very dedicated, they’re on call 24/7 most of the time.”

With over 70 vendors and nearly 500 attendees on-site, many had the chance to test out the latest innovations and share best practices for processes ranging from storm response to road repairs and more.