Paul Trombino III a step closer to post with Federal Highway Administration

Former Iowa Department of Transportation Director Paul Trombino III has cleared a U.S. Senate committee and is one step closer to becoming administrator of the Federal Highway Administration.

The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works voted to approve Trombino to lead the administration, which is part of the Department of Transportation, according to a Wednesday news release from U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, a member of the Senate committee.

'As we continue to move forward on an infrastructure plan, it is imperative that we have someone at the helm who understands the unique challenges of maintaining and updating rural Americas' roads, bridges, and highways,” Ernst said in the release. 'Mr. Trombino has proved both in his time as the Director of the Iowa Department of Transportation, and during his confirmation hearing that he has the necessary expertise to take on this role.”

Trombino's nomination how heads to the Senate for a vote.

Trombino, 51, left his Iowa DOT post last fall after about five years in the position. Most recently he has been president of McClure Engineering Co., of Clive, which provides engineering services to clients in the Midwest.

As Iowa DOT director, Trombino was responsible for the planning, design, construction and operation of 9,400 miles of highways, 4,300 bridges and programs for transit, rail, aviation and motor vehicles.

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