President Barack Obama has announced his intent to nominate Anthony Foxx to replace Ray LaHood as the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The nomination will become official upon confirmation by the Senate. As Secretary, Foxx will inherit daunting short- and long-term challenges. His specific accomplishments in transportation include administering a program to create an electric tram in Charlotte, NC, expanding the light rail system and opening a third runway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
"His experience as Mayor of Charlotte gives Foxx first-hand knowledge of what works and what doesn't when it comes to designing and building infrastructure. We are hopeful he can apply those considerable political skills and old fashioned common sense to resolve the pressing funding and project delivery issues facing America's transportation systems," says Illinois Road & Transportation Builders Association (IRTBA) President and CEO Michael Sturino.
IRTBA Chairman of the Board Jennifer Krug McNaughton states, "Secretary LaHood should be commended for setting a high standard for his efforts working with local government agencies. While we are sad to see a top official from Illinois leave the administration, we look forward to working together with Mr. Foxx to continue to improve our nation's infrastructure."
