Department of Public Works Annual Report - City of Detroit

2010 Annual Report • 1
Dear Residents:
Th e Department of Public Works (DPW) has a mission to bring you highquality
infrastructure stewardship and a clean city in a cost-eff ective manner
that exceeds your expectations. Th e leadership is committed to creating an atmosphere
among our employees and providing the tools that facilitate excellent
service delivery. Th ese tasks embrace systems with sustainable and environmentally
responsible characteristics at the forefront and in alignment with
the vision of Mayor Bing for the City of Detroit.
Th e 660 hard working employees of the department operate an integrated
solid waste system and ensure that travel is safe and smooth in an environment
that is visually pleasing. Th ey clear the streets of snow in challenging and
sometimes dangerous conditions. Our employees perform their responsibilities
knowing that their work directly impacts their families and you. Th us, they continue to do their part to
help the city of Detroit become a world-class city. With your cooperation, we can get there together!
Th is information will provide a snapshot of the department’s accomplishments during 2009 and a
glimpse of what you can expect for the remainder of 2010. DPW will deliver more than $66 million worth of
infrastructure projects in fi scal 2010. Th e projects comprise more than 90 miles of road resurfacing, installa-
tion of more than 12,000 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ( compliant sidewalk ramps, 2,031 of which
will be installed within a fi ve-square mile area encompassing the Central Business District, Medical Center,
Cultural Center and Entertainment District. Th e projects are funded in part through the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act as provided in President Barack Obama’s economic stimulus program.
DPW embraces its responsibilities to advance a sustainable and green agenda. In keeping with that philosophy,
the Urban Non-Motorized Task Force was created. In conjunction with City Council and other public
and private stakeholders, the goals of the task force are to incorporate non-motorized aspects in the City’s
Master Plan and implement a transportation system that links safe pathways for cyclists and pedestrians.
In 2010, the Department will convene a group that represents community and corporate stakeholders to
draft an integrated Municipal Solid Waste policy for the next ten years. From this endeavor, we will develop
a citywide recycling program and forward-thinking disposal systems with the Greater Detroit Resource Recovery
Authority as an integral partner.
We are Here to Serve You!
Sincerely,
Al Jordan
Director, Department of Public Works