Joe Brimmeier, Pennsylvania Turnpike chief executive officer, will be recognized this week as Transportation Advocate of the Year by a state highway awareness group.

The Pennsylvania Highway Information Association, whose mission is to educate the public on the importance of a safe, modern highway system, will present the award in an event tomorrow in Harrisburg.

State Rep. Joseph Markosek, D-Monroeville, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, also will be honored.

PHIA credited Mr. Brimmeier and Mr. Markosek for their roles in developing, supporting and executing Act 44, the state's transportation funding law, under which the turnpike will provide $2.5 billion in supplemental funding to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation from 2007 and 2010.

"The dilemma of how to finance the reconstruction of our roads and bridges is the most crucial challenge facing our industry since the interstate system was born more than 50 years ago," Mr. Brimmeier said. "I am proud to have had the opportunity to help implement the innovative solution crafted by my co-recipient -- a solution which has already provided nearly $1.4 billion in new funding."

Act 44 authorizes a 50-year partnership between the turnpike commission and PennDOT to help address the state's transportation funding needs without increasing taxes.