February 2004

Nathan Hayward

The difference that Nathan Hayward has made, as a result of his leadership of the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), has been one of the most profound of the Minner Administration.

Although his predecessor brought us into the modern world with its ISTEA, TEA-21, and Clean Air Act Amendments requirements, Nathan has attacked the backlog of transportation projects which threatened to close the State to economic development.

Nathan's approach has been clear and consistent: to get a piece of the limited transportation dollars, a project must, first, actually address a transportation need; second, support economic development and the community; and third, respect and protect Delaware's valuable historic and natural sites. If a project meets these tests, and has sufficient support, then do it, and make it beautiful. These criteria, and the willingness to make things happen, have led not only to getting badly-needed projects going, but also, to producing projects that are making our State more attractive.

When it comes to the connection between transportation and economic development, Nathan definitely “gets it.” Nathan is one of the State's driving forces in economic development. He understands that while we need to systematically maintain our infrastructure and become more multi-modal, we also need to address congestion and be nimble in responding to economic development opportunities for the State. He brings creative, out-of-the-box thinking to economic development and transportation challenges, and is willing to shift priorities when the situation demands it.

Nathan will update us on the transportation challenges facing the State and the creative responses coming from DelDOT.

Beverley Baxter