Innovative State DOT Programs Help Communities Become More Livable and Transportation Systems More Sustainable
Earth Day was created 45 years ago as a way of putting environmental concerns front and center. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials is releasing a new video to commemorate Earth Day and to showcase some of the remarkable ways state departments of transportation are making communities more livable and transportation systems more sustainable.
"Transportation represents the critical link between home, school, work, community and commerce" said Bud Wright, AASHTO executive director. "States are applying tremendous creativity and ingenuity to ensure that transportation systems enhance the world in which we live."
The Minnesota Department of Transportation in partnership with the University of Minnesota has begun a statewide bicycle and pedestrian counting initiative. The program will help characterize the non-motorized traffic network and assist in the planning and design of current and future bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
The video highlights how transportation agencies are protecting wildlife and plant life through programs to relocate endangered species. State DOTs are also using tons of recycled materials to cut construction costs and reduce the amount of materials dumped into landfills.
Watch the video and learn more about these and other innovative programs at the Center for Environmental Excellence Website at: http://tinyurl.com/kgkvp7n.
Please click on the link for more from the news release.