WINNIPEG, Man. — You may not recognize Don Kuryk’s name, but chances are you’ve driven some of the roads he’s been responsible for building.

The Manitoba Transportation Department veteran was recognized this month as the province’s Transportation Person of the Year.

"Don Kuryk exemplifies the outstanding calibre of staff in Manitoba’s Transportation Department and the contributions made behind the scenes every day as they serve the people of this province," announced Transportation Minister, Ron Lemieux.

Kuryk has been with the department for more than 40 years and is now manager of technical services. His responsibilities include managing and monitoring 2,200 kms of winter roads, helping to contract out winter road maintenance services and overseeing special projects.

Throughout his career, he has helped design and build many Winnipeg-area highways while introducing improved construction management techniques and training programs. One of the greatest accomplishments of Kuryk’s career was maintaining reliable highway access for remote communities during the 1997 floods.

"Knowing Don’s professionalism, leadership and positive attitude in tackling a challenge, it is no surprise his involvement and accomplishments in the development and building of Manitoba’s highway and road transportation network are so extensive," added Lemieux. "I join with his colleagues and peers in congratulating him on his outstanding career and on being awarded this honour."

To emphasize the importance of the transportation sector, Barry Prentice, director of the University of Manitoba Transport Institute, added "Transportation is about nine per cent of Manitoba’s economy, with 45,000 jobs resulting from providing transportation services. Overall, transportation creates $2.8 billion in gross domestic product. This has grown by 12 per cent in the last four years."