Sewell says the project highlighted the vital need to have funding available for infrastructure. Garner, he says, was able to fund this emergency work with donations and cashing in some bonds, but the current uncertainty without a reauthorization of SAFETEA-LU is making it difficult to keep up roads. “You have to have a road to drive,” Sewell says. “We really need to get this highway bill passed or we’re go have to go back to gravel roads.”

Take the Rains

Be an APWA-certified stormwater manager

The American Public Works Association (APWA) has developed the Certified Stormwater Manager (CSM) credential program to promote excellence and commitment to public service by advancing the knowledge and practice of stormwater management to benefit the community, public agencies and the profession.

The certification is intended for water experts in both the public and private sectors who coordinate and implement stormwater management programs for city, county, state, provincial, and federal agencies.

These are the men and women that assist in administering drainage, flood control, and water quality programs and may also be involved in budgetary oversight, long-term planning, policy development, and other administrative activities. Since its inception, the APWA CSM program has certified 67 stormwater managers in North America.

The certification serves as a “hallmark of excellence” for U.S. and Canadian water experts in public works. The program highlights the CSMs’ professional expertise and their dedication to advancing water quality programs and services in their community, which include state and federal requirements related to stormwater runoff including management of public education, illicit discharges, erosion control, post-development runoff BMPs, system maintenance, water quality monitoring, data analysis, and reporting, as well as drainage and flood control, notes APWA Executive Director Peter B. King.

The APWA Stormwater Manager Certification program is conducting computer-based testing and is now available at more than 170 sites in the United States and Canada. Computer-based testing cuts costs by lowering travel and accommodation costs for applicants and minimizes time away from work. It also gives candidates more chance to take the exam – rather than being locked into a specific date they can choose a date and time within a two-week testing block. And results are immediate rather than taking up to two months to hit your mailbox.

For details type “CSM” into the search box at www.apwa.net

The curriculum for the Certified Stormwater Manager (CSM) designation includes the following:

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT:

• Overall storm management

• Program administration

• Communication/Education

• Planning and design

WATER QUALITY and QUANTITY:

• Regulatory programs

• Structural best management practices

• Hydrology and hydraulics

OPERATIONS and MAINTENANCE