AASHTO Journal, 3 May 2013
President Obama announced Monday he has nominated Charlotte, N.C., Mayor Anthony Foxx to succeed U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. Foxx must be confirmed by the Senate before assuming the position.
Foxx has served as Charlotte’s mayor since 2009, winning his second term in 2011, and is the youngest person to ever hold the position. During his tenure as mayor, Foxx placed an emphasis on transportation infrastructure and its connection to a strong economy and job growth.
“Since Anthony took office, they’ve broken ground on a new streetcar project that’s going to bring modern electric tram service to the downtown area,” Obama said upon introducing Foxx as his nominee. “They’ve expanded the international airport. And they’re extending the city’s light rail system. All of that has not only helped create new jobs, it’s helped Charlotte become more attractive to business.”
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, congratulated President Obama on his nomination.
“The nation’s state departments of transportation—the owners and operators of the national highway system and the leaders in innovative transportation solutions—look forward to working with Mayor Foxx on the important transportation issues facing the nation and on identifying a long-term sustainable transportation funding source,” said AASHTO Executive Director Bud Wright. “AASHTO also wishes Secretary LaHood the very best. His leadership was instrumental to the successful implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, passage of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), and improved national transportation safety.”
LaHood took to his blog after the announcement was made, expressing thanks to his colleagues and reiterating Obama’s messages on Foxx.
“When the President said today that I had enjoyed this job, he was absolutely right. This has indeed been the best job I’ve ever had,” LaHood wrote in his blog. “But for right now, let me just be clear in saying that with Mayor Foxx at the helm, the American people can expect DOT’s progress to continue unabated during the President’s second term. Mayor Anthony Foxx is the right man for the job.”