The Buckeye Hills Regional Council hosts a CarFit event in Noble County June 2025. (Photo Provided)

The Buckeye Hills Regional Council was awarded the 2026 Excellence in Regional Transportation award by the National Association of Development Organizations this year, according to a release from Buckeye Hills.

The award recognized the Buckeye Hills Regional Council Improving Senior Driver Safety with CarFit project in southeast Ohio.

Buckeye Hills will be recognized at the 2026 National Regional Transportation Conference on July 20-22 in Atlanta, Georgia.

“The Excellence in Regional Transportation Awards program showcases effective and creative transportation initiatives that improve accessibility, mobility, safety, and quality of life in regions around the United States,” said NADO President and Executive Director of Piedmont Triad Regional Council Matthew Dolge in the release.

NADO is based out of Washington D.C. and works to promote programs within local communities that strengthen government, policy, and economy.

The Excellence in Regional Transportation Awards recognizes transportation projects in small, rural communities.

“Programs and projects like the Buckeye Hills Regional Improving Senior Driver Safety with CarFit foster community and economic connections and promote effective transportation networks,” said Dolge.

CarFit is a national program by AAA, AARP, and the American Occupational Therapy Association. The CarFit program through Buckeye Hills provides driving safety, education, and assistance programs for individuals in southeast Ohio.

“It’s really rewarding to see these projects recognized because they reflect what Buckeye Hills is all about, working with communities to solve problems and improve quality of life,” said Buckeye Hills Public Information Officer Emma Yeager. “The Active Transportation Plan and CarFit are very different initiatives, but both are focused on helping people move safely through their communities.”

Yeager said it was exciting to see the work they do being honored and recognized nationally.

Amber Phipps can be reached aphipps@newsandsentinel.com