January 2006

Delaware Secretary of Transportation Nathan Hayward, III

Nathan Hayward with Diane Boc & Beverley Baxter

When Governor Ruth Ann Minner named Nathan Hayward as her Secretary of Transportation, we knew things would change.  Change they did.  Projects which had been stymied got back on track.  Economic development which had languished got support.  People who had been out of the loop were consulted.

Nathan's famous 3-legged stool approach to transportation required that before finite transportation dollars are spent, projects must first, improve transportation; second, protect Delaware's historical and environmental treasures; and, third, support economic development.  After meeting these tests to proceed, the projects must then enhance communities, making them more attractive than they were before.

Nathan got things done.  The transportation system has improved dramatically.  Our natural and historic resources have been protected.  Economic development has been supported.  Our community is more beautiful.

Complex transportation problems which others put off facing got his creative juices going and he found ways to address myriad challenges while solving transportation issues, as in the I-95 improvements (from the toll booths through the Rt 1 intersection to the split), that also address wetlands, brownfields, and future water supply challenges.

But this job is a relentless 24/7 one.  And it includes nonsense, such as the General Assembly (after years of many of us challenging it for its failure to adequately increase funding to the Transportation Trust Fund and for raiding the TTF by putting operations, then DART, and then DMV into the Fund), claiming that, somehow, DelDOT's  funding problems have been hidden from members!

Nathan Hayward with Jim Tevebaugh

As you know, Nathan Hayward will be leaving his position as Secretary of Transportation February 1st to give his full attention to getting well.

Nathan has always been open and direct.  And, he has always understood the linkage between transportation and economic development.  At our January Dinner Meeting he will let us know what is at stake if we don't keep on track.  In addition, we will celebrate his tenure as Secretary of Transportation and the monumental difference he has made.

Beverley Baxter