The Lewiston Public Works Department will be awarded a 2005 Public Works Excellence Award on June 1st. The award will be presented by the Maine Chapter of the American Public Works Association at their Highway Congress in Skowhegan.

The award is given in recognition of the department's Utility Coordination Program regarding collaborative interaction with Northern Utilities Gas Company. PW Director Paul Boudreau and Paul Rososieuski, District Manager of Northern Utilities - Maine, led the effort to discuss both entities' goals and objectives for already completed and planned infrastructure municipal projects and Northern Utilities' Cast Iron Main Replacement Program. The partnership began with numerous telephone conversations followed by a kick-off meeting on May 6, 2005.

Both the City of Lewiston and Northern Utilities adopted a "team approach," and as a result, goals have not only been met but completed ahead of schedule.

Boudreau notes, "Various other parties were also brought to the table--to include the Maine Department of Transportation, Maine Public Utilities Commission, and Lewiston & Auburn representatives-- to accomplish what needed to be done in a manner that would best serve both citizens and motorists of the Twin Cities and the customers of Northern Utilities."

City Administrator James Bennett added, "Such recognition is very well deserved, as Lewiston employees continuously strive to effectively work with others for the benefit of area residents and the community as a whole."

Boudreau adds, "This concept is well into its second year, and we meet every Tuesday to evaluate what is currently being worked on and work planned. Hopefully, this undertaking will stand as a model for other communities and future projects as to what can be accomplished when various parties commit to a common goal and understanding."

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FOR MORE INFO on any Press Releases contact:
Dot Perham-Whittier - Community Relations Coordinator
Lewiston City Hall
784-2951 - Extension 110
dottie@ci.lewiston.me.us