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CTS Awards

CTS Distinguished Public Leadership Award

Purpose

This award was established in 1998 by the Executive Committee to recognize public leaders who through their vision, leadership and knowledge have influenced innovative transportation policy directions that benefit society. The first recipient of this award was State Senator Keith Langseth in recognition of his leadership in sponsoring legislation that has helped develop Minnesota’s transportation system and his ongoing support for transportation research and education programs.

The Distinguished Public Leadership Award recognizes public leaders who have influenced innovative transportation policy directions that benefit society through their vision, leadership, and knowledge.

2009 Recipient

Ron Erhardt, a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1991–2008, received this year’s award. Erhardt chaired the Transportation Policy Committee from 2003–2006 and authored numerous transportation bills, including the constitutional amendment to dedicate the motor vehicle sales taxes to transportation. Richard Murphy Jr., former chair of the CTS Executive Committee, presented the award, noting Erhardt’s “dedication to the field and his [desire] to learn and have an impact,” he said. Erhardt humorously recounted how he came to chair the House transportation committee despite the concern of his party’s leadership that he would offer a bill to raise taxes.

Past Recipients