Public Works Director Howard Crofoot Honored with William J. Rheinfrank Award

PLATTEVILLE, WI (May 5, 2021) – Howard Crofoot, Public Works Director for the City of Platteville recently received the William J. Rheinfrank Award from the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA).

The APWA Wisconsin Chapter William J. Rheinfrank Award is presented annually to recognize a person or organization who has provided a positive, far-reaching impact on public works programs, services or policies demonstrated by distinguished public service and commitment to their community and the state of Wisconsin.

Crofoot has dedicated almost 25 years to the City of Platteville.  Over that time, he has been responsible for the maintenance and engineering of the infrastructure for the community of approximately 12,262.  He oversees a public works department with broad city-wide responsibilities including all aspects of water, sanitary sewer, streets, street signs, traffic signals, lights, sidewalks and trails, building maintenance, solid waste and recycling, and public transportation.  In addition, Crofoot is responsible for the supervision of over 25 full-time employees, administration and project management of day-to-day operations, as well as capital projects and long-term strategic planning.

Major accomplishments (technical and managerial) of Crofoot in the last five years include: Coordinate expansion of the City Public Transportation System to include a Shuttle Bus, oversee paving and lighting of the Rountree Branch Trail, City liaison for the public-private partnership to construct a combination hotel and the Platteville Public Library, Lead Service Line Abatement Program, successful completion of Well #6 which replaced failing Well #4, and is currently in the process of working with the Wisconsin DOT on a Highway Safety Improvement Program for approximately 2 miles of Business Highway 151.

Crofoot was nominated for the William J. Rheinfrank Award by Mary Dziewiontkoski, who holds a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville and is currently a Project Programming Manager for the City of Milwaukee Public Works Department.  “I am honored to follow in the footsteps of many distinguished engineers in Wisconsin, commented Crofoot.”  City Manager Adam Ruechel added, “I am so pleased to have Howard Crofoot as the Director of Public Works for the City of Platteville.  Being new to the role of City Manager and Platteville, Director Crofoot is a wealth of historical knowledge regarding the who, what, where and when behind a project.  Director Crofoot is always willing to be a team player and this award is truly a reflection of his amazing public service and commitment to the Platteville community.”

About The Award
This award is presented in memory of former APWA Wisconsin Chapter president William J. Rheinfrank. Rheinfrank held a long career with the Milwaukee Department of Public Works, serving the last 18 of his 43 years as Superintendent of Street Sanitation. Fighting the snow, his most distinguishable contribution, resulted in turning the City’s once-inadequate system into “the best department in the Midwest snow belt region.” In 1965 he published a comprehensive plan for combatting snow and continually campaigned for better equipment and training.

The Wisconsin Chapter of the APWA presented the William J. Rheinfrank Award during their spring conference held virtually on Friday, April 30.