County Judge Mary Horn was recognized Tuesday by the Texas Department of Transportation as the Texas Road Hand of the Year, the highest award the office bestows on state residents.

Mary Horn

The award, which has been given to 212 people since its creation in 1973, recognizes Texans who work to advance transportation corridors in the state, TxDOT officials said Tuesday.

“You could knock me over with a feather,” Horn said after being informed of the award. “It has been an honor and privilege to work with TxDOT. I’m floored by this.”

Loop 288, State Highways 121 and 161, and several other transportation projects were listed as Horn’s accomplishments to help ease the transportation woes in North Texas, officials said.

Former Precinct 2 County Commis­sioner Sandy Jacobs received the award in 2001.

With the population expected to increase in the region, Horn said, officials need to work together to improve and enhance transportation in North Texas and throughout the state.

“We need to keep our eye on our goals,” she said.

DAN X. McGRAW can be reached at 940-566-6875. His e-mail address is dmcgraw@dentonrc.com .