Obama nominates Anthony Foxx as Secretary of Transportation

President Obama nominated Charlotte, North Carolina, Mayor as his new Secretary of Transportation on Monday, outgoing Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood confirmed on his blog today.

LaHood writes, “Mayor Anthony is the right man for the job” and cites projects in Charlotte like “improvements at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport and the expanded LYNX light rail system… [and] freight and passenger rail upgrades and redesigned intersections on Interstate 85” and the Charlotte Streetcar Project as proof of Foxx’s transportation work in his city.

Foxx’s work isn’t the only reason Obama chose him. According to a report from the Los Angeles Times, Obama said Foxx’s established name and respect from peers has him primed for the position, stating that creating “personal relationships with mayors and governors and county executives” is key to being a successful transportation secretary.

During his nomination, Foxx noted that teamwork is a priority in national transportation.

“We must work together across party lines to enhance this nation’s infrastructure,” Foxx said.

The Senate still needs to confirm Foxx’s nomination.

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Members in Action!

SOUTH JORDAN — After a while, the asphalt on roads starts to break apart. But South Jordan has figured out a way to recycle it and turn it into new roads, all while saving money.

Cities like South Jordan are always ripping up and rebuilding streets, sidewalks and pathways. During the past two years, South Jordan has collected and stored 4,500 cubic yards of used asphalt. Normally hauling away this used asphalt to a recycler would cost $7,450 in fuel, $27,000 in fees and $7,524 in man-hours.

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High-friction pavement saves cars from sliding off dangerous road

LOGAN — The Utah Department of Transportation is testing an innovative pavement to make a dangerous curve in Logan Canyon safer for drivers.

The curve is sharp, and when the weather is bad, extremely slick. Dozens of cars have slid off the road in the area and into the river in recent years.

"A lot of vehicles come into the curve at high rates of speed," said UDOT Region One director Kris Peterson. "As they get to that tight corner they slide off."

UDOT installed a cable barrier last summer to prevent cars from sliding into the river. Colleen Larkin went into the water a year ago.

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