Tester, Baucus: Montanan named to national transportation committee

Senators nominated Mike Tooley, Montana’s Transportation Director, for the job

(U.S. SENATE) – Senators Jon Tester and Max Baucus today released the following statements announcing that Montana’s Transportation Director, Mike Tooley, will join the National Freight Advisory Committee.

Tester and Baucus urged U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to appoint Tooley to the committee, which 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. I was proud to support him and look forward to working with him in his new role.”

“Mike Tooley has a great track record and truly understands that highways are the lifeblood for Montana jobs,” said Baucus who was a key author of the Highway Bill. “I was proud to recommend Mike for the job because having a Montana perspective on this committee is critical to improving our nation’s freight system.”

Tooley, who holds a degree in public safety administration, served in the Montana Highway Patrol for 28 years before being named the state’s Transportation Director – a position he will retain while serving on the national panel.

“Montana has always played a key role in supporting our national freight network,” Tooley said. “It’s an honor to serve on the National Freight Advisory Committee to promote involvement and compliance with proposed plans and performance measures, supporting the implementation of freight policy initiatives.”

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

Tester’s letter to LaHood is available below.

Tester’s letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood by les_braswell5524