Director Brian Ness named WASHTO vice president

Idaho Transportation Department Director Brian W. Ness has been named the vice president of the Western Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (WASHTO). The announcement was made this week at WASHTO's 2014 meeting in Albuquerque, N.M.

Ness will serve a one-year term. He and new WASHTO President Malcolm Dougherty, director of the California Department of Transportation, serve as regional representatives to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' (AASHTO) Executive Committee. Dougherty had previously served as WASHTO vice president.

"I appreciate the confidence my colleagues in the western states have in me by honoring me with such a position," said Ness. "Idaho's economy is dependent on factors beyond its state borders. Transportation is a key driver of the economy. This unique opportunity strengthens Idaho's ability to have a unified voice with our western state partners as transportation policy is set nationwide."

WASHTO represents 18 western state departments of transportation, and serves its member departments by contributing to national policies on transportation issues; advocating legislation that supports efficient and effective transportation systems, economic competitiveness and environmental integrity; providing for the exchange of ideas, exploring and adapting techniques, promoting quality and best practices; working with the United States Department of Transportation and other governmental agencies; and promoting the interaction of members.

Ness became Idaho Transportation director in Jan. 2010. Since then, he has worked to boost public confidence and trust. Most notably, he realigned the agency to save millions of dollars that translated to an additional $180 million in new projects added to the state's five-year transportation program. Under Ness' leadership, ITD has earned 139 regional and national awards.

Published 7-18-14