Top Ten Transportation Projects compete for national awards.

Press Release Summary:



Ten signature transportation projects that reflect best in management and innovation by state departments of transportation were named as finalists for America's Transportation Award and will now compete for Grand National Prize and People's Choice Award. Competition is cosponsored by AAA, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and AASHTO to bring public attention to transportation projects around the country that make positive difference to people, businesses, and communities.



Original Press Release:



Top Ten Transportation Projects Compete for National Awards



Washington, DC - Ten signature transportation projects that reflect the best in management and innovation by state departments of transportation were named today as finalists for the prestigious "America's Transportation Award." Spectacular bridges, toll and access roads, innovative interchanges and interstates will now compete for the Grand National Prize - selected by a panel of community, business and transportation leaders - and the People's Choice Award - which will be decided by popular on-line vote.

"These awards highlight innovation, technology and transportation solutions that improve safety, relieve congestion, improve access to jobs or schools, and enhance the quality of life in America today," said Missouri Secretary of Transportation Pete K. Rahn, president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

The competition is cosponsored by AAA, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and AASHTO
to bring public attention to transportation projects around the country that make a positive difference to people, businesses and communities.

On-line voting for the People's Choice Award begins today and will continue to October 10.

The ten finalists are:

o California: The MacArthur Maze, San Francisco

o Florida: Open Road Tolling, Miami-Dade County

o Kansas: I-35 Interchange, Kansas City

o Maryland/Virginia/District of Columbia: Woodrow Wilson Bridge

o Minnesota: TH36 N St. Paul Reconstruction, Saint Paul

o Mississippi: Saint Louis Bay Bridge, Bay Saint Louis

o Pennsylvania: Route 830 Airport Access, Jefferson County

o Rhode Island: Iway Bridge Float Project, Providence

o Utah: 4500 South Bridge Replacement, Salt Lake City

o Washington: Tacoma Narrows Bridge, Tacoma

"The business community depends on a safe, efficient, and reliable transportation system to provide Americans with the goods and services they use every day," said Janet Kavinoky, director of transportation and infrastructure at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "The U.S Chamber is pleased to co-sponsor America's Transportation Awards, which honors exemplary transportation projects that stimulate interstate and international commerce and thereby enhance our quality of life."

"Americans cherish their freedom of mobility, and a safe, efficient transportation system makes that mobility possible," said Kathleen F. Marvaso, AAA vice president of Public Affairs. "This award program showcases how quality transportation projects can make a positive contribution to meeting the mobility and safety needs of motorists."
Forty-one projects were entered into the America's Transportation Awards competition with 23 chosen as regional winners; an expert judging panel has now narrowed the field to 10 finalists. The Grand National Prize-winning state will receive funds to support a graduate-level educational grant in the transportation field. The People's Choice Award will fund a community service project selected by the winning state department of transportation. Awards will be presented at the AASHTO Annual Meeting in Hartford, Connecticut, October 10.

For complete information on each of the finalists and the voting ballot, go to www.americastransportationaward.org.

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