State Rep. Carol Kent, House District 102, recently was recognized by Preservation Texas, for her outstanding contributions in support of historic preservation in Texas.

Rep. Kent authored legislation creating an historic highway designation plan named the Texas Historic Roads and Highways Program. This in turn, enabled Rep. Kent to have the Bankhead Highway designated a Texas Historic Highway.

The Bankhead was a post-World War I initiative of the U.S. Department of Defense that resulted in paved roads connecting the East Coast to the West Coast. Moreover, the Bankhead was a precursor to the interstate highway system. It crosses Texas from the Louisiana border to El Paso.

"It's refreshing to see that the historic importance of the Bankhead Highway as a vital and critical early connector to the east and west coasts, is not lost. More importantly, Preservation Texas' historic preservation recognition goes a long way toward fulfilling the goals of the Texas Historic Roads and Highways Program," Rep. Kent said. "Just as encouraging is the corollary effect this program will have on the citizens of Texas. Not only will the Texas Historic Roads and Highways Program help generate incremental revenues for our state through tourism dollars, but the program itself provides a tangible vehicle for new jobs creation in Texas."