ROADS/BRIDGES: Chao to be next Transportation Secretary

President-elect Donald Trump continues to fill his cabinet, and he picked one that has had a long shelf life as his next Transportation Secretary.

Elaine Chao was named to that position late Tuesday, Nov. 29. Chao served as Secretary of Labor under George W. Bush from 2001-2009, and also was Deputy Transportation Secretary during the George H.W. Bush administration between 1989 and 1991. Chao is married to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

“Former Labor Secretary Chao is a respected leader who, based on her previous experience at the U.S. DOT and in other roles, has a strong understanding of the transportation challenges facing the nation,” said Bud Wright, AASHTO Executive Director.

Trump has called for a $1 trillion investment in roads and bridges, but backpedaled a bit when he said a new multiyear highway bill would not be a priority during his early years in office.