BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — From floods to storms to sinkholes, Bowling Green’s Public Works department has met every challenge head on. The Bowling Green Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation during national Public Works Week, honoring the work they’ve done.

What You Need To Know

  • Bowling Green’s Public Works department has been repairing dozens of sinkholes

  • The department has invested in clearing snow off the road and bought a new street sweeper

  • The city issued a proclamation, honoring the department’s work

“For every $1 that comes into the city, 17 cents goes into Public Works,” Andy Souza, the public works director, said.

Souza said his team has been busier than usual compared to prior years.

“This year, we had a little bit more snow than the last couple years. Over $50,000 of salt [used] this year just for the roads,” Souza said.

To help with the workload, Souza said the agency invested thousands of dollars into new equipment. 

That includes “$50,000 dollars for our newest street sweeper, we have two,” Souza said.

Sinkholes also have been an issue in the city, with dozens of them forming after the flooding in April. Because of this, public works requested a $900,000 change order from the city’s board of commissioners.

“My annual budget is $100,000, and we already had to go back for two other change orders,” Souza said.

Public works is still working on sinkholes around the city. Residents are encouraged to call the department if one forms on their property.

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