American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Executive Director John Horsley commended U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood for his leadership during the past four years.
"We at AASHTO applaud U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood for four years of dedicated leadership, especially on safety," Horsley said. "On his watch highway fatalities have dropped by about 5,000 deaths per year. Distracted driving is a national priority today because of his personal zeal. He also helped states create thousands of jobs through investments in highways, transit, and high speed rail.
"The Secretary’s announcement today that he plans to step-down from his position comes at a crucial time for the industry. AASHTO looks forward to continuing to work with Secretary LaHood and his successor to fully implement the reforms included in MAP-21 and to identify a long-term, sustainable funding source for our nation’s transportation system.
"It has been a pleasure working with Secretary LaHood and we wish him well.”