On May 4, the Department of Transportation announced a team of students from Lenape Technical School in Ford City, Armstrong County, has been selected as the statewide winner for the 2022-2023 Innovations Challenge.

Mentored by Jason Zimmerman, a teacher at Lenape Tech, team members include Elijah Mumau and Robert John.

The team’s proposed solution to this year’s challenge, addressing the shortage of truck parking along Pennsylvania’s critical cargo arteries, included a plan for affordable, eco-friendly, and innovative rest stops called Eco-Stops.

To offset cost and minimize their environmental impacts, Eco-Stops would be constructed using a recycled asphalt lot and concrete printed facilities and be powered via solar panels.

The team’s presentation included an example location, cost breakdown, and a plan for adding EV charging options.

“It’s incredible to see the next generation of problem solvers at work trying to address a real transportation issue that we are currently facing,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “These young minds have been hard at work, and it’s encouraging to see their commitment to working on these issues. The future is in good hands.”

Nine regional winners were selected earlier this year and invited to present their solutions to the PennDOT acting secretary and a panel of judges in Harrisburg last month to determine the statewide winner.

For this year’s challenge, the Associated Pennsylvania Constructors and the American Council of Engineering Companies of PA will provide a combined total award of $4,000 to the statewide winning team.

To learn more about this program, visit PennDOT’s Innovations Challenge webpage.

NewsClips:

-- Observer-Reporter: Carmichaels H.S. Team Wins Greene County Envirothon

-- Republican Herald: Students Compete In Schuylkill County Envirothon; Winner Moving On To State Competition

-- Williamsport Sun: Local Leaders Praise Work Of Lycoming County Conservation District For Its Work With Agriculture, Environment, Notes Much Work Still Needs To Be Done

Related Articles - Awards:

-- 21 Projects Honored With The 2023 Governor's Award For Environmental Excellence  [PaEN]

- PA Environmental Council: Making This Place Better - Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award  [PaEN]

-- PA Solar Center Honors 25 Organizations For Leadership In Clean, Renewable Solar Energy From Allegheny County  [PaEN]

-- Winners Of PennDOT Innovations Student Challenge From Lenape Technical School Propose Eco-Stop Truck Parking Areas  [PaEN]

[Posted: May 4, 2023]

5/8/2023