SCAPA Takes Part in SC Public Works Conference

Photo Credit: APWA SC Facebook PageEarlier this month, the South Carolina chapter of the American Public Works Association held their annual meeting at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Greenville, SC. Hundreds of public works officials traveled to the upstate for the four-day event. The meeting combines technical presentations with a trade show for vendors to exhibit new products and services. The conference is also highlighted by its opening event, the state backhoe rodeo, where trained operators competed in a skills competition on North Main Street in Downtown Greenville.  

Photo Credit: SC APWA Facebook Page

The Honorable Knox White, Mayor of Greenville, spoke on the efforts to revitalize downtown Greenville to the vibrant city center it is now, and announced the new multi-million dollar public works facility coming to Greenville. After his address, Mayor White was announced as an honorary member of the state APWA chapter.

Following Mayor White was the keynote address from the Honorable Nikki R. Haley, Governor of South Carolina. Governor Haley discussed the 2015 historic flood event, and lauded public works officials for the response and recovery efforts. Additionally, she stressed the importance of public works on our everyday lives. Following her address, Governor Haley was presented with honorary membership into the state chapter, and received a check from APWA-SC on behalf of the One SC Fund. The fund provides grants to nonprofits working on flood recovery. 

SCAPA had a giant presence at the conference: in addition to the exhibit booth that conference attendees stopped by to visit, the association had two presentations on the agenda for the meeting. On Monday afternoon, Dr. Brad Putman spoke to a crowded room anxious to hear about SCAPA's new update to the Asphalt Pavement Design Guide, which addresses thin and traditional overlays. Dr. Putman is an associate professor in the Glenn Department of Civil Engineering and also worked with SCAPA to develop both phases of the pavement design guide.  

On Tuesday, SCAPA Technical Director Jayson Jordan, P.E. presented to a packed room of public works officials about the benefits of porous asphalt pavements. Mr. Jordan covered all aspects from materials, design, construction and maintenance of these applications. To read more on porous asphalt, check out: