WASHINGTON, D.C. — For the first time, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) is opening its Faces of Transportation photo contest to the general public, in addition to employees of state departments of transportation.

"This marks the eighth consecutive year for our national competition," said Lloyd Brown, AASHTO director of communications. "We thought this would be a good time to give the general public an opportunity to participate and show us some of the faces that touch their lives through transportation, in communities big and small across the country."

The theme of this year's competition is "Framing the Benefits of Transportation." Digital photographs will be accepted in three categories: "Building the Future," "On the Road," and "Taking a Ride." Each photo should include faces of people and represent the positive effects of transportation on individuals and/or communities. Examples might include innovation and creativity in the built environment; an inspiring journey taken on America's roads and byways; a new bridge that is making commuting times shorter; an interesting way to work, school, or simply running errands; or a repaving of a rural road that employed members of the community.

The competition runs through July 31, 2012. Judges will decide the winners and the photograph receiving the highest number of online votes will receive the People's Choice Award. People's Choice voting will take place online Aug. 13-31, 2012. A $125 prize will be awarded to the best photograph in each individual category, and the winner of both the People's Choice Award and best overall photo will each win $500 prizes. Contest winners will be announced Oct. 1, 2012. Entry forms and contest information are available at www.facesoftransportation.org.