Colorado's Flood Response Selected as One of America's Top 10 Transportation Projects
DENVER– The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce today announced that the Colorado Department of Transportation’s response to the Sept 2013 Floods was selected as one of the 2014 America's Transportation Awards competition top 10 projects.
“These 10 projects are the best of the best,” said Bud Wright, AASHTO executive director. “This competition recognizes excellence in project delivery. It’s about saving time and taxpayers’ money and improving the ability of people, manufacturers, farmers and service providers to move themselves and their goods, reliably, every day.”
This year, a record 36 states and the District of Columbia entered 73 projects that were judged in three categories: “Under Budget,” “Best Use of Innovation,” and a new category this year “Quality of Life/Community Development.”
The 10 finalists received the highest number of overall points during four regional competitions. The nation will decide through online voting which of the projects will receive the People’s Choice Award. A panel of experts will select the Grand Prize winner.
CDOT’s $50 million quick and efficient response to damage caused by the major September 2013 floods was recognized for the impact it had on the lives of state residents. CDOT coordinated with the National Guard, local leaders and residents, and private contractors to reopen the last of the closed roadways in December 2013, just 10 weeks after the catastrophic event. Other finalists include projects from California, Florida, New York and several other states.
The Grand Prize and People's Choice award winners will each earn a $10,000 donation from AASHTO on behalf of the winning state DOT to a charity or scholarship fund of its choosing. Should CDOT win, the funds will be donated to United Ways of Colorado Flood Recovery Fund. Both awards will be presented Nov. 23 at the AASHTO Annual Meeting in Charlotte.
Online voting has begun and will continue through Friday, Oct. 24, at http://AmericasTransportationAwards.org. Individuals are welcome to vote up to 10 times per day for their favorite projects.
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) is the “Voice of Transportation” representing state Departments of Transportation in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. AASHTO is a nonprofit, nonpartisan association serving as a catalyst for excellence in transportation. Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/aashtospeaks.
