INDIANAPOLIS (November 15, 2006) ? Governor Mitch Daniels? efforts to improve government efficiency and close Indiana?s $3 billion road transportation funding gap through the use of public-private partnerships (P3s), were recognized today at the National Council for Public-Private Partnerships? (NCPPP) annual meeting, where he received the organization?s Leadership Award.

?By partnering with entities outside of government, it is often possible to provide Hoosiers with more efficient and higher quality services,? said Daniels. ?It has been said before that government?s job is not to provide services, but to make sure that they are provided. We?re doing that in Indiana and saving Hoosier taxpayers money as a result.?

The NCPPP is a national organization that focuses on raising the awareness of businesses and government about the potential benefits of P3s. The NCPPP Leadership Award is only given when the organization determines an individual has made a national impact in the promotion of P3s. Only three individuals have received this award in the last seven years including the 2005 recipient, former Administrator for the Federal Highway Administration and current United States Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters.

The governor?s award also recognizes his work as director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, where he spearheaded efforts to increase competition in the awards of billions of dollars of federal contracts.

The governor received the award at the NCPPP Annual Awards Banquet in Alexandria, Virginia, where he was also the keynote speaker.

For additional information on the NCPPP, please visit: www.ncppp.org