TxDOT Garners Three Prestigious, National Awards
AUSTIN — As further testament to its mission of becoming a best-in-class agency, the Texas Department of Transportation recently earned two top honors in the western regional of the America’s Transportation Awards (ATA) competition, sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, AAA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
TxDOT won the Quality of Life/Community Development award for both the small and large project size categories. The West 7th Street Bridge project in Fort Worth won for small size projects (projects under $25 million) and the SH 99/Grand Parkway Segment E project in Houston (from I-10 to US 290) won the large project category (projects costing $200 million or more).
"We are pleased to receive these awards, especially in the category of Quality of Life and Community Development," said TxDOT Executive Director LtGen Joe Weber, USMC (Ret). "We strive to relieve congestion and give Texans a transportation system that allows them to be mobile and connected as safely as possible. Having these projects recognized is an honor."
The ATA competition focuses on state transportation department projects that are improving safety, expanding mobility, reducing congestion and providing additional transportation options while saving taxpayer dollars.
In addition to these awards, TxDOT Chief Planning and Project Officer Russell Zapalac was named P3 Public Sector Entrepreneur of the Year by the American Road and Transportation Builders Association. The award recognizes an individual in the public sector who has made significant contributions to the development, growth and public education of Public Private Partnerships.
Zapalac has more than 30 years of public and private experience in the fields of program management, design management and construction management of transportation projects.
For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at MediaRelations@txdot.gov or (512) 463-8700.