WASHINGTON, D.C., July 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the American Public Works Association (APWA) and the Canadian Public Works Association (CPWA), with the support of the U.S. House Public Works & Infrastructure Caucus, hosted a bi-national infrastructure focused roundtable on Capitol Hill. Eleven prominent policymakers (including members of the U.S. Congress, the Parliament of Canada, agency and association officials) from both nations participated in the roundtable, sharing in a thought-provoking dialogue about infrastructure. 

Participants were asked to discuss innovation, data and connected technology, rural infrastructure, trade and transportation, and green infrastructure, in their respective countries and communities.

APWA President William “Bo” Mills, Jr., PWFL, provided opening remarks, encouraging all to share their experiences, best practices and ideas for solutions regarding infrastructure. APWA/CPWA Executive Director Scott D. Grayson, CAE, served as moderator and ensured invaluable conversation, offering discussion questions such as “What role do you believe the federal government should play in infrastructure?” and “How would you recommend that we fix aging infrastructure, while building new infrastructure? And are there differences for urban and rural communities?”

“Bringing together lawmakers from both the United States and Canada with the sole purpose of discussing infrastructure on either side of the border, allows for participants to come away with a better understanding for how infrastructure plans and policies are developed in each nation’s capital. This idea-sharing gives insight to a myriad of ways which we could help not only maintain, but improve upon our way of life in North America.” said President Mills.

The following issues represent highlights of the discussion and do not necessarily represent the views of APWA, CPWA, or any particular individual:

• How to ensure a properly trained/compensated workforce to build and repair infrastructure.
• Infrastructure funding mechanisms such as gas-taxes or VMT.
• Broadband as a facet of infrastructure.
• Best practices for water safety/treatment.
• The necessity of building infrastructure appropriate for autonomous vehicles.
• The need for bold bipartisan efforts on infrastructure policies and funding.

“Hosting the US-Canada roundtable provided a unique opportunity for Canadian Members of Parliament and U.S. Members of Congress to have an interactive cross-border dialogue about infrastructure issues confronting both countries. The group was incredibly thoughtful and passionate about fixing aging infrastructure balanced with the need for new infrastructure. This is a great first step for this group to learn from one another and find solutions together. APWA and CPWA stand ready to assist in solving both nations’ infrastructure challenges now and in the future.” said Executive Director Grayson.

For more information contact Emily Dowsett, Government Affairs Media Manager, at 202-218-6736 or edowsett@apwa.net.

About APWA

The American Public Works Association (www.apwa.net) is a not-for-profit, international organization of more than 30,000 members involved in the field of public works. APWA serves its members by promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy and the exchange of knowledge. APWA is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, has an office in Washington, D.C. and 63 chapters in North America. 

About CPWA

The Canadian Public Works Association (CPWA), or Association Canadienne des Travaux Publics, was founded in 1986 to enhance the services of APWA to the Canadian public works community and to improve the quality of public works products and services to Canadian citizens. CPWA’s more than 2,250 members in Canada, plan, build, operate, maintain and sustain the public works and infrastructure that improve our quality of community life.

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