SENATE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF MAY 17 TO MAY 23, 2026, TO BE "NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gordon Rogers

Designates May 17–23, 2026 as National Public Works Week in Rhode Island to recognize and celebrate the public works profession and its services.

05/21/2026 Senate read and passed

Summary of SR 3308 (2026) – Rhode Island

Purpose and intent

Proclaims May 17 to May 23, 2026, as National Public Works Week in the State of Rhode Island.

Aligns Rhode Island with the national observance organized by the American Public Works Association (APWA) to recognize and celebrate the public works profession and its contributions to communities.

Key provisions and changes

Official proclamation: The Rhode Island Senate states that the week of May 17–23, 2026, shall be designated as “National Public Works Week” within the state.

Formal notification: Requires the Secretary of State to transmit a duly certified copy of the resolution to the APWA, reinforcing the statewide acknowledgment and participation in the national observance.

Who or what is affected

Government and public sector: The executive and legislative branches, state agencies, and local governments are encouraged to acknowledge and participate in the observance.

Public works professionals and organizations: APWA and Rhode Island public works departments, engineers, utility operators, and maintenance staff receive formal recognition for their service.

The general public: By highlighting the importance of public works (roads, bridges, water and sewer systems, and related services), the resolution aims to heighten public awareness of how these services impact daily life.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction date: May 19, 2026.

Movement: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar (a procedure often used for non-controversial or ceremonial measures).

Action history indicates consideration around May 21, 2026.

Effective effect: The resolution is a ceremonial designation; it does not create new law or funding but formally recognizes National Public Works Week in Rhode Island.

Administrative step: The Secretary of State is empowered to send a certified copy of the resolution to the APWA to fulfill the recognition.

Notes

The resolution references the historical and ongoing significance of public works, citing past presidential recognition and the APWA’s national framework for Public Works Week.

The thematic emphasis for the year is “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community,” highlighting the foundational role of public works in sustaining communities.