Hewes award goes to Texas DOT employee,
Idaho drought continues, but victory
may be on the horizon
Even during a strange and unique time such as this current Covid-19 crisis, some things continue to operate as usual – albeit in a virtual format. One such case is the Hewes Award, named for Dr. Laurence Isley Hewes, and given annually since 1951 to an up-and-comer in the Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (WASHTO) ranks that includes the 18 western states that make up the organization.
The award celebrates outstanding contribution to the highway development program.
Last year, Idaho convinced judges to allow a “team” award nomination – the first time that more than one person was considered as an eligible nominee. Although ITD did not win, the department was proud to be able to submit an entire project team as worthy. The Idaho nominee last year was the District 5 team that designed the Wye Interchange in the Pocatello area.
Then-District Engineer Ed Bala (now retired) was very thankful.
"I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this," Bala wrote in an email at the time. "It’s not important if they win, just the fact someone thought enough to nominate them speaks volumes and is a giant step on constructive culture because it says 'thanks' in so many nonverbal ways. Thanks!"
Idaho did not submit a nominee this year.
This year’s Hewes Award winner was Ceason Clemons with the Texas Department of Transportation. She is pictured at left.Check out the video.
The Hewes Award was created in 1951 by the Western Construction Magazine, a journal devoted to engineering and construction in the western states. The award was initiated to honor Dr. Hewes, former Deputy Commissioner of the Bu
reau of Public Roads, Western Region (predecessor of today’s Federal Highway Administration), who directed the Federal highway construction programs in the 11 western States plus the Territories of Alaska and Hawaii. Hewes became one of the principle founders of WASHTO.
Idaho has received the award on four occasions, although not since 1998. In 1998, the award was won by Tom Baker. In 1991, it was won by Ray Mickelson. In 1980, Idaho's Hugh Lydston won. And in 1956, A.J. Sachse was the recipient. Baker, Idaho's last Hewes winner, is pictured at right in the July 1998 Transporter, accepting the award.
“It has been 22 years, and that certainly seems like a long time,” said ITD Director Brian Ness. "Idaho is deserving of a winner, and I would encourage all employees of ITD to be thinking of a worthy nomination for next year's award."
With ITD's talented professionals, a fifth Hewes winner seems very plausible.
Published 07-31-20