PUBLIC WORKS
Mission
The mission of the Public Works Department is to plan and to use our resources wisely, to improve the quality of life through maintenance and protection of the Town’s infrastructure and natural resources. The Public Works Department will strive to be a respected, well managed, financially prudent department. “Public Works in the Public Interest”
Guiding Principles
-Provide a safe and reliable roadway system that is most efficient with available funding
-Provide quality service by striving to provide maintenance levels necessary to achieve public satisfaction
-Ensure that projects provide functional and economic benefit through responsible expenditure of funds
Shawn M. Bennett, Road Commissioner
Pownal, Maine
(207)688-4407 publicworks@pownalmaine.org
News for the Public Works Department
Quite a winter, over 130 inches of snow and 40 events puts this winter near the top of the record books and I really need to take my hat off to our crew. This was the first winter since 2003 that we have had the same crew from the previous year and it really showed. We received numerous compliments on the condition of our roads both during and after the storms. The crew worked tirelessly to give our customers (the traveling public and taxpayers) the best service possible. This is a true testament to the value of attracting and retaining quality employees.
I would like to thank everyone that turned out at the Town Meeting and supported the Department, that’s the type of support we need to allow us to continue giving the high quality of service to the townspeople that we are striving for, I hope to have the same support at the June Town Meeting.
The upcoming construction season is going to be very busy and exciting around town. The Allen Road construction is underway and will prove to be one of, if not the single largest project that Pownal has ever undertaken. Using the skills and hard work of our crew, we will be saving the town tens of thousands of dollars in what otherwise would be spent on outside contractors.
The reconstruction of Allen road will be in stages throughout the Spring, Summer and, Fall. Initially, the Public Works Department along with a Contractor will be clearing trees and brush. From early May through June 30th, our department will be working on upgrading cross culverts and making necessary cuts and fills to allow for the next contractor to come in and reclaim the existing material, install aggregate subbase and install the initial 2.5” of asphalt binder. This should take place through July and a portion of August. The Public Works Department will then move back in to complete drainage upgrades and install permanent erosion control measures - loam, seed, mulch and, rip rap. When the crew has completed that work the paving contractor will return to install the final 1.5” of asphalt surface. If you live on or use Allen Road BE PREPARED FOR DELAYS AND CLOSURES, we will be closing sections of the road frequently to through traffic to allow crews the room to make the job proceed more smoothly. Check out www.pownalmaine.org frequently to see updates and other important information.
Along with routine maintenance projects such as pothole repairs, brush removal and gravel road maintenance, the Department will also be continuing on with other improvements throughout town. Some of the projects we are planning include, but are not limited to: continued improvements to the gravel section of Poland Range Road, improvements to Loring Lane, drainage and some drainage improvements on Hodsdon, Merrill, and Poland Range Roads. (paved).
If you have questions comments or concerns please feel free to contact us.
Shawn Bennett, Road Commissioner
688-4407
pownalrc@mainerr.com
