Author: The White House/ Office of Communications/ Washington/ October, 2015

 

Washington, D.C., October 13

 

Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, October 13, the White House, in conjunction with the United States Department of Transportation, recognized 11 individuals from across the country as “White House Transportation Champions of Change.” These individuals, who were selected by U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and the White House for their achievements, were honored for exemplary leadership and innovation in transportation.

 

Of the recipients, Folded Steel Plate Girder System (FSPGS) creator, Atorod Azizinamini, was recognized for providing a cost-effective alternative for rapidly replacing and retrofitting short span bridges without impacting traffic or mobility. His rapid bridge replacement technology gives states a cost-effective solution to bridge upgrades that is faster to complete.

 

 

 

This year’s nominees are a truly gifted group of individuals who have exceptional vision and foresight when it comes to the issues we are dealing with in transportation,” said Secretary Foxx. “Their exemplary leadership is charting the course for our 21st century needs. I applaud them and I hope to see others follow their lead.” Anthony Foxx

 

– U.S. Transportation Secretary

 

Earlier this year, the Department of Transportation issued a draft report, Beyond Traffic, which examines the trends and choices facing America’s transportation infrastructure over the next three decades. These include 70 million more people by 2045, a 45 percent increase in freight volume, demographic shifts in rural and urban areas, and a transportation system facing more frequent extreme weather events. The report predicts increased gridlock nationwide unless changes are made in the near-term.

 

The Champions of Change event honored people who recognize these challenges in transportation, and have endeavored to solve them. The program was created as an opportunity for the White House to feature individuals doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities.