Erie County Legislature’s Minority Leader John J. Mills, R-District 13, was honored during the Western New York Branch of the American Public Works Association’s annual awards banquet held Feb. 10 at Protocol Restaurant. Legislator Mills was selected to receive the Association’s 2011 Elected Official Award which recognizes a governmental leader for their positive impact on public works programs, services, or policies through distinguished public service and commitment. 

Throughout his tenure, Legislator Mills has worked closely with the Erie County Department of Public Works to ensure road projects were completed in a timely and cost efficient manner. From bringing attention to concerns on roadways, to supporting funding in the annual budget, Legislator Mills is an active participant in the process.

“I want to thank the American Public Works Association for this honor and the County’s Public Works Department for nominating me,” Legislator Mills said. “It has been an honor working with Commissioner Jerry Sentz and his crew on several projects in my district. I look forward to continuing to serve the residents of Erie County by allocating the appropriate funds to provide safe roadways and bridges.” 

Erie County Executive Chris Collins presented the award to Legislator Mills and said, “Legislative Minority Leader John Mills has always been a tireless advocate of funding infrastructure maintenance and repairs.  He is truly deserving
of this recognition.”

Legislator Mills has always made infrastructure projects a priority. Most notably, Legislator Mills was the driving force behind pushing for repairs to South Buffalo Street in the Village of Springville. The collapsed roadway was closed, limiting travel options for motorists and emergency vehicles.
Legislator Mills became involved in negotiations and secured
the County’s portion of the funding and moved the project
forward. Work began in the summer of 2010 and concluded
that fall. Legislator Mills’ actions qualified the project for millions
of dollars of federal aid and remedied a serious issue in a timely manner.

Legislator Mills also aides the County DPW’s efforts by serving as Chairman of the Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District Board (ECSWCD). Working in cooperation with the DPW, the ECSWCD helps protect and preserve the County’s infrastructure through stream bank stabilization and erosion control. Legislator Mills has been a longtime supporter of the partnership and has always testified on the ECSWCD’s behalf to receive County funding. Through his actions, Legislator Mills has also been an intricate part in the ECSWCD’s efforts to follow emergency guideline programs and receive federal funding for damages suffered during emergencies. 

The Western New York Branch of the American Public Works Association also awarded the Erie County DPW the Project of the Year Award - Emergency Response for its actions during the August 2009 storm and the Award of Merit was given to Erie County Senior Civil Engineer Carl P. Dimmig Jr. 

The American Public Works Association is an international educational and professional association of public agencies, private sector companies, and individuals dedicated to providing high quality public works goods and services.