Tester: ‘Mike Tooley understands America’s roads and rails’

Senator backs Montana Transportation Director for national committee

(BIG SANDY, Mont.) – Senator Jon Tester is making sure Montanans have a say when it comes to how goods and services move across rural America.

Tester is urging the U.S. Transportation Secretary to appoint Montana Transportation Director Mike Tooley to the newly created National Freight Advisory Committee.

The National Freight Advisory Committee provides recommendations to improve the nation’s transportation system so that goods and services get to market efficiently and safely.

“Most of our nation’s roadways run through rural America, and nobody understands the needs of rural America like a Montanan,” Tester said. “Mike’s expertise in highway safety, his unique perspective on rural transportation and his remarkable leadership make him an outstanding fit for the committee.”

Tooley served in the Montana Highway Patrol for 28 years, including four as colonel, before being named Montana Transportation Director. He also holds a degree in public safety administration.

Nearly 70 percent of Federal highway miles run through rural areas like Montana.

LaHood plans to step down from his position soon, prompting Tester to recently tell the Administration that the next Transportation Secretary must understand rural America.

Tester’s letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood by les_braswell5524