State worker briefs for Aug. 18

• Published August 18, 2008

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State Patrol recognized as best in U.S.

The International Association of Chiefs of Police has named the Washington State Patrol the best law enforcement agency in the nation for 2007. The honor follows last year's designation of State Patrol as the best state police agency of its size.

Called the "Law Enforcement Challenge," the award recognizes excellence in reducing highway deaths and injuries. Judges look at traffic enforcement, public education and occupant protection. Award rules require agencies that win their category to move up to a championship class the following year. The State Patrol was one of 23 prior category winners competing in the 2007 Championship Class, and came out on top.

"This is an exceptional honor," State Patrol Chief John Batiste said. "It belongs to the men and women of WSP who are committed to reducing deaths and injuries on Washington highways."

Batiste was quick to add that this success belongs to more than just the uniformed troopers people see on the highways. Non-commissioned staff members contribute greatly to highway safety. There were about 70 fewer deaths in 2007 than in 2006.

Narrows bridge could be best project

The Tacoma Narrows Bridge project is one of 10 projects named last week as finalists for the America's Transportation Award, reflecting the best in management and innovation by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

Important bridges, toll and access roads, innovative interchanges, and interstates now will compete for the grand national prize and the people's choice award.

The awards recognize achievement in the construction of projects, focusing on appreciation of transportation as a key element of quality of life. Forty-one projects were entered into the competition with 23 chosen as regional winners, narrowing the field to 10 finalists. The Tacoma Narrows bridge project team won the regional competition among 18 western states.

Online voting for the People's Choice Award will continue to Oct. 10, when the winner is declared.

Cast your vote for who should win America's Transportation Award at www.americastransportationaward.org/Voting.aspx

Screenings for newborns broaden

State health officials now are screening all newborns in Washington for 14 more disabling or life-threatening conditions. A 15th condition that requires a more complex testing procedure will be added to the screening process this month, more than doubling the number of tests performed under Department of Health regulations.

The new regulations were adopted by the state Board of Health in May. The screening program is supported by a fee that is charged through the birth hospital.

Screening for the 14 additional disorders began in late July. When the last of the 15 new screens is in place this month, the state's testing will include all but one of the disorders recommended by the March of Dimes, a national nonprofit organization promoting healthy babies and pregnancies. More information on newborn screening is available on the Department of Health's Web site, www.doh.wa.gov/ehsphl/phl/newborn.