Washington


, DC –


U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD)



, today proudly introduced Maryland’s Secretary of Transportation John Porcari to the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee as President Obama’s choice for Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“I have known
John Porcari for many years. He is a person of unquestioned integrity and professionalism who gets the job done. I know that John will draw on his many years of experience to help the new administration build a 21
^st century infrastructure system that will create jobs, spur growth, manage resources, and sustain an economy that creates shared and lasting prosperity.
This appointment is an excellent choice for our nation but a true sacrifice for the State of Maryland.
Under Secretary Porcari’s leadership, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) has led the way in community sensitive design and smart growth strategies that have improved the quality of life for Marylanders.
 

“Today marks a critical time for our nation’s infrastructure and for our Department of Transportation. Through the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, we are making the largest new investment in America's infrastructure since President Eisenhower built the Interstate Highway System in the 1950s. We're putting people back to work rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges, modernizing our airports and shipyards, developing high-speed rail networks and restoring aging public transit systems. All of this activity will continue set the stage for a major new transportation bill later this year, which will enable us to rewrite the rules for the future of transportation in this country.
During this important time for the U.S. Department of Transportation, I am confident that John will help ensure that government is holding itself accountable to the American taxpayer for how these funds are invested.”

During Secretary Porcari’s tenure at MDOT, Maryland broke ground on the inter-county connector. He has been a strong ally on the Purple Line.
He also was instrumental in the development of the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge, a $2.4 billion megaproject which was not only delivered on time and on budget; it broke new ground in environmental, contracting, and management innovation.