Public Works Department

The Public Works Department keeps Jackson running smoothly by maintaining and improving the infrastructure that residents and businesses depend on daily. From the water flowing through your tap to the streets you drive on and the snow removal that keeps roads passable in winter, Public Works crews work year-round to deliver essential municipal services.

Department Responsibilities

Public Works provides comprehensive infrastructure management including engineering, streets and sidewalks, water systems, wastewater collection, storm drainage, snow removal, fleet maintenance, and town facilities management. This diverse portfolio requires skilled employees, specialized equipment, and careful planning to maintain reliable service delivery.

Engineering Services

Public Works engineering staff design and manage capital improvement projects, provide technical review of development proposals, conduct engineering studies, and support long-term infrastructure planning. Engineers ensure that new development connects properly to town infrastructure and that capital projects are designed to appropriate standards.

Engineering responsibilities include:

• Capital improvement project design and management
• Development review for infrastructure adequacy
• Infrastructure master planning
• Survey and mapping services
• Technical standards development
• Grant applications for infrastructure funding

Streets and Sidewalks

Public Works maintains approximately [X] miles of streets, alleys, and sidewalks within Jackson town limits. Street maintenance includes pothole repair, crack sealing, pavement overlays, complete reconstruction, striping, signage, and traffic control device maintenance. Proactive maintenance extends pavement life and reduces long-term costs.

Sidewalk maintenance ensures pedestrian accessibility and safety. Crews repair damaged sections, address tree root heaving, maintain accessible ramps, and work to keep walkways clear and safe for all users including individuals with mobility challenges.

Street lighting, traffic signals, and other infrastructure components require regular maintenance to ensure proper function and safety. Public Works coordinates with utility companies and other agencies on projects affecting the public right-of-way.

Water System

Jackson's municipal water system provides safe, reliable drinking water to residents and businesses. Public Works operates and maintains water supply wells, treatment facilities, storage tanks, and miles of distribution piping. Water system staff monitor water quality continuously, conduct required testing, and respond immediately to any quality concerns.

The water system must meet stringent federal and state standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Jackson's water consistently meets or exceeds all regulatory requirements. Annual water quality reports provide detailed information about source water, treatment processes, and testing results.

Water system maintenance includes:

• Well pumping and treatment
• Distribution system maintenance and repairs
• Water quality monitoring and testing
• Meter reading and maintenance
• Fire hydrant maintenance and testing
• Emergency response to water main breaks
• System capacity planning

Wastewater Collection

Public Works maintains the sanitary sewer collection system that conveys wastewater from homes and businesses to the regional wastewater treatment facility. Collection system maintenance prevents backups, infiltration, and environmental contamination. Crews conduct regular inspections, clean lines, repair defects, and respond to emergencies.

Modern sewer system management uses video inspection technology to identify problems before they cause failures. Preventive maintenance is more cost-effective and less disruptive than emergency repairs.

Snow Removal

Winter snow removal is one of Public Works' most visible and demanding responsibilities. Jackson's mountain climate brings significant snowfall requiring prompt, effective snow removal to maintain mobility and safety. Crews work around the clock during storm events to plow streets, apply traction materials, and clear priority routes.

Snow removal follows established priority schedules:

1. Priority 1: Main arterials, emergency routes, downtown core
2. Priority 2: Collector streets, school routes, bus routes
3. Priority 3: Residential streets
4. Ongoing: Sidewalk clearing, especially near schools and high-traffic areas

Property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to their property within specified timeframes after snow events. This partnership between Town crews and property owners keeps the pedestrian network functional throughout winter.

Fleet Services

Public Works operates and maintains the Town's fleet of vehicles and equipment including police vehicles, fire apparatus, snow plows, dump trucks, loaders, and specialized equipment. Proper fleet maintenance ensures that equipment is reliable when needed and maximizes the service life of expensive capital assets.

Fleet services include:

• Preventive maintenance scheduling
• Repairs and diagnostics
• Parts inventory management
• Equipment replacement planning
• Fuel management
• Equipment specification and procurement

Facilities Maintenance

Public Works maintains Town Hall, police facilities, public works buildings, parks structures, and other town-owned properties. Facilities maintenance includes HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical, roofing, and general building maintenance. Well-maintained facilities provide safe, functional environments for staff and visitors while protecting the Town's investment in public buildings.

Capital Improvement Program

Public Works manages the Town's capital improvement program, which plans and implements major infrastructure projects including street reconstruction, water system improvements, facility upgrades, and other significant investments. Capital planning balances competing needs, available funding, and strategic priorities to maintain and improve municipal infrastructure systematically.

The capital improvement program includes multi-year planning, project prioritization, grant funding pursuit, design and engineering, construction management, and project closeout. Transparent communication about capital projects keeps the public informed about construction impacts and long-term community benefits.

Emergency Response

Public Works provides 24/7 emergency response for infrastructure failures including water main breaks, sewer backups, street hazards, and facility emergencies. On-call crews respond immediately to emergencies that threaten public safety or property. Emergency response capability requires maintaining trained staff, appropriate equipment, and comprehensive emergency plans.

Sustainability Initiatives

Public Works incorporates sustainability practices into operations including:

• Water conservation through leak detection and repair
• Fleet efficiency through modern, lower-emission vehicles
• Recycling and waste reduction
• Green infrastructure practices
• Energy efficiency in facilities
• Environmentally-responsible maintenance practices

These initiatives align with community values and reduce operating costs while protecting environmental quality.

Contact Public Works

Public Works Department
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Emergency After Hours: Contact available

For routine service requests, infrastructure concerns, or questions about Public Works projects, contact the department during regular business hours. For emergencies outside business hours, call the emergency number for immediate response.