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Idaho surges into lead on award for people's choice

With just a few days left to vote for America's Transportation Award, Idaho's Sand Creek Byway project in Sandpoint is leading a field of 10 top construction projects in the country by a small margin.

As of Thursday, Sept. 26, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials reported that Idaho had tallied 36,532 votes, Missouri's Safe and Sound Bridge Improvement Program was a close second with 35,980 votes cast and California's entry was third with 23,435 votes.

The public will determine the winning people's choice award and the accompanying $10,000 grant.

The Bonner County Area Transportation Team chose North Idaho Bikeways as the beneficiary of the people’s choice prize if Sand Creek wins the national competition. The nonprofit Bonner's County corporation was created in 1995 to establish a network of bike and pedestrian trails connecting Sandpoint with its neighboring communities.

judges could choose Idaho’s project for the grand prize independently of the people’s choice honor. The grand prize also carries a $10,000 award. Winners of both contests will be announced at AASHTO’s annual meeting Oct. 20, in Denver.

To vote for Sand Creek on the web go to http://americastransportationawards.org and select “Vote Now” on the right side of the page. Sand Creek is the third option on the ballot. Individuals may cast 10 votes daily through Oct. 2.

Twenty-four states entered a collective 36 projects in the national competition. The 10 finalists received the highest number of overall points during four regional AASHTO meetings this summer, representing each part of the country. The Sand Creek Byway emerged from the Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (WASHTO) competition.

AASHTO, AAA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce sponsor the contest.