Top Kansas transportation official is stepping down Dec. 23

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The highest transportation official in Kansas is stepping down simply earlier than Christmas within the first main change at a state company since Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly narrowly received reelection earlier this month.

Kelly’s workplace introduced Tuesday that Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz plans to return to non-public enterprise. Lorenz’s final day main the state Division of Transportation is Dec. 23.

Lorenz spearheaded Kelly’s profitable legislative push in 2020 for a brand new, 10-year program of freeway and bridge initiatives. Value about $1 billion a yr, it additionally contains cash to enhance infrastructure for high-speed web service and permits the state to construct new toll roads or add toll lanes on current highways.

Earlier than Lorenz grew to become the state’s transportation chief in 2019, she was an govt at Burns & McDonnell, a Kansas Metropolis engineering and architectural agency.

Kelly appointed Calvin Reed, director of the division’s design and engineering division, as interim transportation secretary till the governor nominates a extra everlasting substitute for Lorenz. The appointment should be confirmed by the Republican-controlled Kansas Senate.

Copyright 2022 The Related Press. All rights reserved.