Public Information Office 210 S. McDonald Street Suite 626 McKinney, Texas 75069 www.collincountytx.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 7, 2005

Collin County Commissioner Jack Hatchell presented with the prestigious Road Hand Award

(McKinney, TX) – State transportation leaders surprised Collin County Commissioner Jack Hatchell, Precinct 4, with the prestigious Road Hand Award today during the commissioners court meeting.

Texas Department of Transportation Executive Director Mike Behrens, former executive director Wes Heald, and regional TxDOT engineer Bill Hale presented Hatchell with the award. They were flanked by Commissioner Hatchell’s colleagues, friends and family.

“This is an honor I am proud to witness,” says Collin County Judge Ron Harris, a previous Road Hand Award recipient. “I can’t think of another person more worthy of this award than my friend and colleague, Jack Hatchell.”

Originated in 1973, the Road Hand Award recognizes Texas' major transportation advocates. The names of recipients are inscribed in the Road Hand Hall of Honor, a plaque prominently displayed in the Dewitt C. Greer State Highway Building in Austin.

Each year, district engineers nominate individuals for induction into the Hall of Honor. TxDOT's executive director makes the final selection of names.

To emphasize the importance of Road Hands to TxDOT's success, presentation of the award by the executive director (or representative) is made in the recipient's community.

“What a wonderful surprise,” says Commissioner Hatchell. “It is very special to be honored by my peers in engineering.”

Commissioner Hatchell, who is a transportation engineer, has served as president of the North Central Texas Council of Governments and is currently chair of the Regional Transportation Council.

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