John M. Agrey Award
2003 Recipient
Walter Hjelle
Walter R. Hjelle served as North Dakota Highway Commissioner from 1961 to 1981 and again from 1985 to 1988, longer than any other commissioner in state history. He was born at Roundup, Mont., and educated at Mercer, N.D., schools and at Valley City State College (now Valley City State University). He also attended administrative training schools in New Mexico and Michigan.
He worked at the North Dakota Motor Vehicle Registration Department from 1939 to 1941, when he left to join the Border Patrol at El Paso, Texas. In 1944 he joined the Army and served in the intelligence corps as a criminal investigator. While with the intelligence corps he served a tour of duty with the United Nations Assembly. He returned to North Dakota in 1946. He operated a hardware store in Garrison until 1960 and served as a representative from McLean County in the 1959-61 state legislature.
He was appointed highway commissioner in December 1960. The state highway program had its greatest expansion under his leadership, including North Dakota's portion of the Interstate Highway System. While commissioner he was active in the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, serving as a regional vice president and as member and chair of several national committees. He was also the governor's representative to the National Governors' Association Working Group on State Motor Carrier Procedures and for the State and Federal Safety Program.
His recognitions and awards include the distinguished alumnus award from Valley City State University, a distinguished service citation from the Associated General Contractors, the Governor's Commodore Award, and honorary life memberships in the Jaycees and the International 281-10 Highway Association. In 1980 he was inducted into the Highway Hall of Honor.
