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July 2008
Special Research Conference Issue: Plenary Sessions
New commissioner shares vision for Mn/DOT
Tom Sorel
Commissioner Tom Sorel presented his vision for the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) in comments preceding the luncheon presentation. Appointed to the post in April, Sorel was previously the Minnesota division administrator of the Federal Highway Administration. He is a member of the CTS Executive Committee and has also served on the boards of the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Institute and the Transportation Engineering Road Research Alliance (TERRA). Sorel said he has two main goals for Mn/DOT: to regain the public trust and confidence lost with the bridge collapse and to regenerate a spirit of innovation and creativity. Regaining trust will require transparent communication and respect for public values. "It will be a journey," he said. "It won't happen overnight."
Sorel called for Minnesota to build on its history of innovation and "take it to a new level." A recent highlight in innovation was the Highway 36 reconstruction through St. Paul, which used innovative technology, contracting, and unique full closure, saving money and time. "This is a prime example of how we can use innovation in the state," he said.
Innovation is also needed in transportation finance, including a role for the private sector. "I'm not saying it's a silver bullet," Sorel said, "but we need to start looking at it and see how it fits."
A key to innovation, Sorel said, is fostering partnerships such as TERRA, a structure that brings together government, industry, and academia. "I believe if we can all work as partners, there is a great future for transportation in Minnesota," he said.
Sorel said he will continue to be very supportive of research and will work to achieve a program that balances basic and applied research. "We are fortunate to have both the University and CTS here as a resource," he said, citing the work of the ITS Institute, Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, and the Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program. He also noted the important role CTS plays in bringing key leaders together to solve transportation problems.
Sorel's vision for Mn/DOT, he said, echoes what USDOT Secretary Mary Peters often calls for: 21st century solutions for 21st century problems. "We need to engineer the right solutions for today that will carry us into tomorrow," he declared, by using the proper multimodal mix and the right combination of funds, solutions, and partners.
In closing, Sorel praised Mn/DOT's "talented pool" of employees and asked audience members for their support in rebuilding public trust and confidence. "I am proud to serve Mn/DOT and am very optimistic for the future," he said.