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Obama taps Arizona highway exec for key transportation post

Victor Mendez, former director of the Arizona Department of Transportation, will head the US Federal Highway Administration, where he will oversee the agency’s $27.5 billion in stimulus funding granted by the $787bn American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.

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President Obama today filled another important post within the US Department of Transportation.

The president selected Victor Mendez, former director of the Arizona Department of Transportation, to head the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Victor Mendez

The FHWA oversees the federal funds used for the construction and maintenance of the US’ national highway system.

The agency was recently given $27.5 billion in stimulus funding from the landmark $787 billion stimulus bill President Obama signed into law in February.

As the overseer of the FHWA, Mendez will be in charge of overseeing the use of those funds.

Mendez’s appointment was greeted warmly by industry groups.

“We consider Victor Mendez an outstanding choice for this key leadership role at the Federal Highway Administration, particularly as we approach the authorization of the nation’s surface transportation programs,” John Horsley, director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials said in a statement.