DAVE KOLPACK

Associated Press Writer

FARGO - Sponsors of a national memorial honoring roadway workers killed on the job are looking for the names of people from North Dakota, South Dakota and other states to add to the traveling monument.

The American Traffic Safety Services Foundation memorial is on display this week at the convention of the group's North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota chapter. The names of four Minnesotans are listed on the monument, but it has none from the Dakotas.

"There's a lot more names we could put on there. But trying to track down the family to get permission is one of the things we're constantly trying to do," said Tim Cox, president of the foundation board.

The memorial was created five years ago to honor construction workers, state transportation employees, public safety officials and others who have been killed in highway work zones. The list stands at 1,247 people and is growing, Cox said.

"The work zone is a very dangerous place to be," he said. "One of the ways to draw the attention of the general public is to put the names of the people who have unfortunately lost their lives out there."

The group also has a scholarship program for the children of workers who have been killed or permanently disabled. Students are eligible for up to $3,000 per year.

"That's the most rewarding part," Cox said. "Usually when a parent is killed or severely injured in the work zone, it's the bread winner who is lost. Each year, we give out as many scholarships as possible."

Tim Marthe, spokesman for the regional chapter, said it's likely there are students in the three states who are eligible for college money.

"We just don't know if the word is getting out," Marthe said.

About 1,100 workers are killed each year in highway work zones, Cox said. The last death in North Dakota occurred more than two years ago, said assistant district engineer Kevin Gorder.

"When I stop to look at how work is going, sometimes it's tough for me to stand out there," Gorder said.