PennDOT LTAP announced that the annual Build a Better Mousetrap Innovation Challenge (BABMT) is now accepting submissions from Pennsylvania municipalities. The BABMT challenge is open to municipalities for solutions that employees have designed, built or adapted that innovated maintenance, equipment or processes to better serve Pennsylvania travelers.
In past years, winners have included a widener repurposed from a berming machine, a specialized storage rack for spreaders, and a high-pressure undercarriage sprayer.
"Pennsylvania's strength and ingenuity lies in its municipalities," PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Planning Larry Shifflet. "The men and women of our municipal governments are on the front lines of cost-saving efforts around the state, and I'm excited to continue bringing light to their efforts."
"Every day, township road crews do more with less to maintain tens of thousands of miles of roadway across the commonwealth," said PSATS Executive Director Dave Sanko. "The Build a Better Mousetrap Innovation Challenge provides townships a chance to showcase innovations and money-saving ventures that make their jobs easier, and Pennsylvania's roadways safer."
Submissions can be anything from the development or modification of tools and equipment to processes that increase safety, reduce costs, or improve the efficiency or quality of transportation. Technological innovations and unique use of new tools such as drones, apps, computers, smartphones, and tablets are also welcome.
Following a competitive statewide selection process, the winning entry will be submitted to the national competition to compete for recognition. Winners of the national competition will be announced at the annual LTAP/TTAP national conference. All entries at the national level will be posted on the LTAP/TTAP program website and compiled into an electronic booklet
The submission deadline is Friday March 1, 2024.
Participant forms can be found on the LTAP website. Questions about the competition can be directed to LTAP at 1-800-FOR-LTAP (367-5827) or by email ltap@pa.gov.