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The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has tapped Tim Gatz – secretary of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation – to serve a two-year term as chair of the AASHTO Committee on Funding and Finance, which provides insight into federal and state transportation fiscal issues.
Gatz – appointed Oklahoma DOT secretary by Governor Kevin Stitt (R) in January 2019 and confirmed by the Oklahoma Senate to that position in April 2019 – also serves as executive director of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority.
He previously served as Oklahoma DOT’s deputy director from 2013 until his appointment to serve as OTA’s executive director in 2016. He has over 30 years of service with Oklahoma DOT, beginning his career with the agency in 1990 as a drafting technician and advancing to various roles in transportation project management and program delivery.
In addition to AASHTO, Gatz is also a member of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association and the American Society of Landscape Architects. He currently is the chair of Oklahoma’s Advanced Mobility Advisory Council, Oklahoma’s Fair Miles Road User Charge or RUC pilot project, and chair of the RUC America’s board of directors.
“This investment will make it possible for Minnesota and Wisconsin to rebuild a critical connection between our states that will foster regional economic growth, strengthen our national supply chains, and improve the safety and reliability of our transportation network,” said Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) in a separate statement. “This is a project that will serve hundreds of communities between our states.”
“This is a transformational opportunity for Wisconsin and Minnesota to bring a critical piece of our infrastructure into the 21st century,” added Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers (D). “A new Blatnik Bridge means safer vehicle travel and better support for the billions of dollars in freight moving across the bridge each year.”
“Our commitment to improving safety and the long-term sustainability of our bridges is unwavering,” said Craig Thompson, secretary of the Wisconsin DOT and president of AASHTO. “This was a team effort – from local communities and elected officials in both states – and we will act with urgency to deliver this important project.”
“Replacing this bridge is a top priority and [we] are grateful to our federal partners for the funds needed to get this project done,” noted Minnesota DOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger. “We look forward to working with Wisconsin DOT to build the modern and reliable Blatnik Bridge that the Twin Ports deserve.” Information courtesy of AASHTO. Learn more here.