American Infrastructure: What is the status of your latest wastewater and stormwater projects?
Chris Thompson: Of our many projects, the $55 million Westside Wastewater plant project is currently undergoing a three-phase upgrade and expansion which includes replacement of facilities and filters. Phase two is currently 20 percent completed while we are reviewing design in Phase 3, which is expected to begin in 2011.

AI: What were the major challenges to those projects and their solutions?
CT: The most time consuming challenges with most projects involves permitting. Both the city and our consultants have worked well with the regulatory agencies to ensure that plans are designed to be in compliance.

AI: How are you funding these projects? Any money coming from the ARRA?
CT: Nearly all of our projects are funded through revenue bonds, GO bonds or user fee revenues. High Point does have one two wastewater projects that were funded through the ARRA funds totaling $1.2 million.

AI: What is the most challenging/most rewarding part about being a director of public services?
CT: The most challenging part of this job is continuing to meet the service demands to which the public has grown accustomed while budgets are being cut to survive the current economic times. The most rewarding part of this job is working in an environment where people trust what you do, allow you the opportunity to deliver, and support the projects and services that you recommend as the best benefit to the community.

AI: How did you get your start in this field?
CT: I began my career in public service with the North Carolina Department of Transportation right out of college but I credit the service to others as something I learned growing up from my parents, my church and through my experience in Boy Scouts.

AI: If you weren’t a director of public services, what would you be?
CT: High school teacher and football or basketball coach. The folks that filled these positions when I was young were influential in my success.

AI: What are your thoughts on the BP catastrophe?
CT: This is a very unfortunate event. I am disappointed that mechanisms are not in place to ensure a positive shut off in such an event as this. I am not sure that the total impacts on the environment and the lives affected can be fully evaluated. Though continual reports suggest that BP is working to solve the problem, the amount of time that has passed leaves one to wonder if more could have been done in a more timely manner. I definitely believe that regulations should be adopted to require redundant shutoff valves, which are required to be tested and operated annually to insure they function properly.

AI: What does our country need to do to improve America’s infrastructure?
CT: Educate the public, understand the issues, gain support and establish a plan to rebuild. Much of our infrastructure is out of sight and out of mind. We all know that things do not last forever but few really know the condition of our infrastructure system. These systems were not all built yesterday and they cannot be replaced in a quick manner; however, we have to start somewhere. It is necessary for inventories to be done and for systems to be prioritized for replacement or rehabilitation.

AI: In your opinion, what kind of projects should be first on the list?
CT: Sanitary sewer outfall lines. These lines carry the majority of sewer flow and typically are some of the oldest lines in systems. Not only are they underground but often they are meandering through remote wooded areas and get limited attention.

AI: What advice do you have for other public works professionals?
CT: Enjoy your job and know that what you do is important in the lives of others. Be trustworthy as this will help you gain the support of those you need to accomplish the many duties and projects required in public service and it exhibits a very positive trait of a leader. The support gained comes from all levels including your subordinates, superiors, elected officials and the community you serve.