Gene Griffin, director, and Jon Mielke, research fellow, both from Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute (UGPTI), recently received Dedicated Partners Awards from the North Dakota Association of Counties in recognition of their role in organizing a series of public information and input workshops around the state in 2008. The workshops prompted significant discussion in the state, which led to an increase in state funding for transportation infrastructure.

According to the awards program citation, “Gene Griffin and Jon Mielke have built an impeccable reputation for UGPTI by maintaining the highest standards of research and reporting. Their scientific and social research was an invaluable resource for county, city and township road officials in the effort to convince the public and the legislature of the need for a serious investment in our state’s road system. Without ever compromising the integrity of their work, Gene and John contributed the hard facts without which local officials might never have succeeded in taking the first steps toward a brighter future for North Dakota’s infrastructure.”

As part of the association’s Excellence in County Government Awards program, the awards were presented to Griffin and Mielke at the association’s annual convention in Bismarck on Oct. 12. The awards honor those who have shown excellence through dedication, leadership and involvement for the good of all counties.