In 2016, Dallas County adopted a five-year administrative plan to govern its decision making in accordance with the County’s vision of becoming an operationally-model government entity, a healthy community, a proactive regional partner and a secure destination of choice.

“One way Public Works serves the County is through its continued commitment to understanding and implementing useful lessons from Dallas County’s past,” said Public Works Director Alberta Blair, P.E. 

As part of this plan, the Dallas County Public Works department committed to studying the County’s past to inform decisions made about its current and future projects. 

Public Works examined the history of past County projects and specifically, studied the processes and procedures that made each endeavor unique. Every division of Public Works conducted a monthly meeting to discuss the history of County infrastructure and the communities this infrastructure served. During the meetings, entities such as “The Guiding Coalition” delivered presentations about past County projects and, through this lens, discussed possibilities for current and future projects. Members of the Dallas County Commissioner’s Court attended the meetings and engaged in discussions about future County projects and solutions. “We believe that the key to making infrastructure and enhancing regional connectivity is through people who believe in partnerships bolstered by trust, commitment and shared vision,” Blair said.

Public Works employees’ investigations into the County’s past unveiled useful insights about former County pioneers such as engineer J.F. Witt, A.F. Rollands and R.H. Clinger. Witt was instrumental throughout the building process of the Houston Street viaduct, and Rollands and Clinger exhibited exceptional direction and leadership during major Trinity River projects. Employees also explored County programs such as the 1991 Bond Program and the County’s current Major Capital Improvement Program, both of which created opportunities and solidified Dallas County’s role as a key regional partner. 

“Public Works looks forward to continuing its historical initiatives and more in 2020,” Blair said.