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ITASCA, ILL. — The Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association (IRTBA) urged Gov. Quinn to appoint a transportation secretary with the expertise required to manage Illinois’ ever-intensifying transportation needs.

"Managing the state's infrastructure is critical to Illinois' economic health," said Michael Sturino, president and CEO of IRTBA. "Transportation cuts across all sectors and affects every Illinois resident."

Sturino praised the job done by outgoing Secretary Gary Hannig and expressed IRTBA's hope that a new secretary will have a similar ability to manage the billion dollar program.

The new secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will face a considerable task made more complicated by the recent capital bill issues and concerns about diversity. The new secretary should possess a depth of knowledge on transportation issues, but must also be able to handle the kinds of budget issues that this state agency is facing.

"I am confident Governor Quinn will find someone who fills the bill: a transportation expert and someone who can navigate the ways of politics and the budget in Springfield," said IRTBA Chairman Woodie Griffin, president of James D. Fiala Paving Company.

A safe and efficient transportation system is key to the economic recovery of the state and the nation, Sturino said.