MONTGOMERY – The American Council for Technology (ACT) has awarded the State of Alabama its 2008 Intergovernmental Solutions Award for the Alabama Department of Homeland Security’s Virtual Alabama program.

The Intergovernmental Solutions Award criteria require superiority in technology leadership and innovation, intergovernmental and collaborative efforts, business transformation, measurable impact and results, availability and transferability. Virtual Alabama excelled in each category.

“It is an honor for our state to receive this type of national recognition,” said Governor Bob Riley. “What we have been able to achieve with Virtual Alabama is a platform that improves the ability of our state to serve its citizens in a multitude of ways. Once again, Alabama is setting the standard nationwide for how government can use innovation to solve problems and make things better.”

Alabama Homeland Security Director Jim Walker accepted the award in Norfolk, Virginia, at this week’s ACT Government 2.0 Management of Change Awards Dinner. 

“What began as a tool to improve situational awareness for Alabama’s first responders has sparked a wave of interest from all types of government and private sector organizations,” said Alabama Homeland Security Director Jim Walker.  “It’s an honor to represent Alabama and give people around the country a chance to see some of the great things happening in our state.”

Virtual Alabama uses a Google Earth Enterprise license to layer imagery and data from each Alabama county. The amount of information counties load to Virtual Alabama is endless, and access is provided free to government employees at all levels.

Virtual Alabama is located online at www.virtual.alabama.gov.