New FHWA Chief to Look at Big-Picture Transport Issues

Once the economy recovers and freight traffic begins to grow again, the nation needs to look at broad transportation issues that address everything from funding to livability, newly appointed Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez said.

“I wouldn’t say just highways but all the transportation options that will be necessary for our future generations,” Mendez told Transport Topics in an Oct. 16 interview.

FHWA will look at “priorities [and] where are we taking transportation” said Mendez, who prior to coming to Washington three months ago headed the Arizona Department of Transportation.

“That’s going to be very critical and right now we’re beginning to have those discussions,” Mendez said of the broader picture he hopes to paint of the nation’s transportation system.

By Michele Fuetsch
Staff Reporter