Cauthorn receives TxDOT's prestigious 'Road Hand' award

May 15, 2007
By Bill Sontag
Feature Writer

Sid Cauthorn, Del Rio’s perennial champion of transportation improvements for commerce, tourism, security and military affairs, was singled out Monday (May 14) to receive the “Road Hand Award” from Texas Transportation Commissioners Ric Williamson, Hope Andrade, Ted Houghton Jr., Ned Holmes, Fred Underwood, and Executive Director Michael W. Behrens.

Fifty-five city officials, business and civic leaders, family members and friends gathered under the high ceiling of the city’s historic train depot, now the Regional Transportation Center, 100 W. Ogden, to greet Cauthorn and his family. Ed Serna, executive director of operations for Texas Department of Transportation, Austin, described the signal honor bestowed on Cauthorn by the highway commissioners. The now-coveted accolade recognizes citizens who recognize and advance the benefits of improved transportation corridors in Texas.

Serna explained that 208 recipients are now recorded on the Road Hand Hall of Honor plaque, hanging in the historic DeWitt C. Greer Highway Building, Austin, but Cauthorn is the first recipient so recognized within TxDOT’s sprawling Laredo District, and one of only five Texans recognized this year. Serna called the Road Hand Award an acknowledgement of “those for whom support of Texas transportation is a labor or love.”

Serna cited Cauthorn’s effective leadership, personal enthusiasm and abundant energy on behalf of transportation projects, specifically manifest in his leadership with the Ports-To-Plains Coalition, a 1,300-mile trade and travel route stretching from Laredo to Denver. “The Ports-to-Plains Corridor,” Serna said, “has been a notable catalyst for efficient transportation and economic development from Mexico, through West Texas, New Mexico, Colorado and Oklahoma, ultimately extending to the Pacific Northwest.”

More than 50 well-wishers assembled in the city’s historic train depot, now Regional Transportation Center, to congratulate Cauthorn and to participate in his receipt of the “Road Hand Award.” (LIVE! photo/Bill Sontag) (click image to enlarge)

TxDOT Assistant Executive Director, Operations, Ed Serna presents the “Road Hand Award” to Cauthorn. The certificate declares, “Sid Cauthorn is certified as a member of the Texas road gang, having proven ability and displaying the stamina to toil long, strenuous hours for Texas transportation. And be it known that in recognition and appreciation of proven labor, the Texas Department of Transportation shall post your name on the indelible roll of honored and distinguished road hands.” (LIVE! photo/Bill Sontag) (click image to enlarge)

Serna commends Cauthorn for his enthusiasm, leadership and energy on behalf of Texas transportation thrusts, explaining that the honoree joins a list of 208 Texans so venerated in TxDOT headquarters in Austin. (LIVE! photo/Bill Sontag) (click image to enlarge)

Co-workers, city officials and government representatives hear Michael Reeves, president of the Ports-to-Plains Coalition, describe Cauthorn’s leadership of the organization and its work toward trade improvements through the United States, from Mexico to Canada. (LIVE! photo/Bill Sontag) (click image to enlarge)

Cauthorn has a reputation in Del Rio and Val Verde County for his leadership on many highway improvement projects, including his chairmanship of the Transportation Task Force, reviewing a variety of transportation-related issues, such as the Del Rio Relief Route, or “loop,” now on the threshold of construction, in part because of Cauthorn’s advocacy. “Besides being a devoted family man, he continues to be the president and CEO of The Bank & Trust in Del Rio,” observed Serna.

With characteristic modesty, Cauthorn accepted the handsomely framed certificate, saying, “Let’s face it. The only reason we’re all here is the Ports-to-Plains Corridor and Coalition.” He showered praise on staff and leadership in the coalition office in Lubbock, including President Michael Reeves, Vice President Duffy Hinkle, Adam Dalby, and Vice President Joe Kiely (Limon, Colo.).

Cauthorn also recognized the professionalism and skill of TxDOT staff throughout the state. “These folks practice the creativity and perseverance to make Texas highways what they are today,” adding, “I accept this award on behalf of the Ports-to-Plains Coalition.”