Trump to nominate former IDOT chief Trombino to head FHWA

Updated Sep 18, 2017
Paul Trombino III. Photo: Iowa DOT.Paul Trombino III. Photo: Iowa DOT.

President Trump announced plans to nominate Paul Trombino III to be head of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), The Gazette reports. Trombino headed the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) for five years before resigning in November 2016 to become president of McClure Engineering. At the Iowa DOT, Trombino was responsible for a $1 billion annual budget, 9,400 miles of Iowa highways and 4,300 bridges.

Trombino played a key role in lobbying the Iowa Legislature to approve a 10-cent-per-gallon gas and diesel tax increase in 2015 to generate $200 million every year in additional money for state and local road and bridge construction projects. He was also involved in an initiative in which Iowa would become one of the first states in the nation to develop a digital driver’s license that can be used as an app on smartphones.

Prior to his time with the Iowa DOT, Trombino was with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for 17 years and has degrees in civil engineering and economics. He also served as president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

According to the news agency, Iowa Governor Kim Reynold’s office issued a statement saying, “Paul Trombino has a proven track record of being an innovative leader who isn’t afraid to solve problems by looking through a new lens. The governor is excited for Paul to serve in this position and wishes him all the best.,”

Trombino must still be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.