Southeastern state transportation projects earn regional awards

Five southeastern states' department of transportation projects have won regional awards for their innovation, cost savings and community focus.

The winners were in North Carolina, Kentucky, South Carolina, Florida and Arkansas. They were part of the 2015 southeastern regional contest, which is part of the America’s Transportation Awards competition. Their awards were part of the three categories of the competition: Under Budget, Best Use of Innovation, and Quality of Life/Community Development.

AAA, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce co-sponsor the America’s Transportation Awards. Every year, award officials recognize the best transportation projects in the U.S. The projects are divided into four regional competitions, and winners must receive the highest overall scores to compete for the People’s Choice Award, the National Grand Prize, and $10,000 prizes that are dedicated to transportation-related scholarship or charity programs.

Officials announced the awards at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

"Ultimately it's the American people who are the big winners," John Cox, AASHTO president and director of the Wyoming Department of Transportation, said. "These projects are a small example of how state (transportation departments) are saving taxpayer dollars while building innovative projects to meet community needs."