The Texas Department of Transportation Austin District has recognized Hays County Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe with the Road Hand Award, the highest honor the department awards to non-TxDOT employees. The award recognizes outstanding leadership and dedication to improving transportation and mobility across Texas.
TxDOT Austin District Engineer Tucker Ferguson, P.E., presented the award, praising Commissioner Ingalsbe’s decades-long commitment to infrastructure development, regional collaboration and community growth.
“The Road Hand Award is the highest tribute we can give to a citizen who has given their time, energy and vision as a true champion for transportation projects, ” Ferguson said. “Commissioner Ingalsbe has made a tremendous impact not just in Hays County, but across the entire region. She’s helped our communities grow through her leadership and dedication to partnership.”
Ferguson highlighted several major initiatives Commissioner Ingalsbe has led during her tenure, including: - A $148 million Pass-Through Finance Program - The 2008 Road Bond Program totaling $59 million - The 2013 TxDOT – Hays County Partnership Program - A $131 million Road Bond Program, now nearing completion with more than 50 projects delivered - The most recent $440 million Road Bond Program, advancing critical infrastructure across the county Among the numerous projects she has helped bring to fruition are improvements to I-35, Kyle Crossing, FM 1626, FM 110, McCarty Road, Yarrington Road, Robert S. Light Boulevard, FM 2001, FM 621, State Highway 80, State Highway 21, FM 1966, Kohlers Crossing, FM 967, and Lime Kiln Road.
In addition to her work within Hays County, Commissioner Ingalsbe has been a regional leader in transportation planning. Since joining the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) Policy Board in 2022, she has helped guide mobility strategies for the six-county region.
“CAMPO’s board represents a wide range of communities and priorities, ” Ferguson noted. “I’ve been very pleased to work alongside Commissioner Ingalsbe, who always brings a measured and logical approach to regional growth. It’s easy to get drawn into being a champion of your own projects, but she’s consistently been a champion not just for Hays County, but for our entire six-county region.”
Commissioner Ingalsbe expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing regional growth and mobility challenges.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Road Hand Award from TxDOT. I’m truly humbled to be included among so many dedicated public servants who share a commitment to building safer, more connected communities, ” said Ingalsbe.
“Improving mobility, safety, and accessibility in Hays County has always been a team effort. I want to thank TxDOT, my fellow Commissioners Court members, and our hardworking county staff and community partners who make these projects possible.”
