JEFFERSON CITY - Missouri Department of Transportation Director Pete Rahn was elected Monday as president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. In this capacity he will focus on three key elements of the nation's future transportation infrastructure: investment, accountability and safety.

"This is a great honor and I look forward to serving in this capacity at such an important time in the history of our nation's transportation system," Rahn said.  "America's transportation network is the lifeblood of our nation's economy.  We must make the investment necessary to keep it vibrant, safe and in good repair."

The association membership is comprised of officials from the highway and transportation departments in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.  The group represents all modes of transportation and is frequently called upon by Congress to conduct surveys and provide data on transportation issues, as well as testify on transportation legislation. 

Rahn's leadership comes at a pivotal time as the nation looks at options for addressing deteriorating bridges and making highways safer and less congested.  All this at a time when the nation faces a transportation funding crisis.