The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced that a team of students from Lenape Technical School in Ford City, Armstrong County, has been selected as the statewide winner for the 2022-23 Innovations Challenge.

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. 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.”

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.