Hogan’s ‘highway builder’ moving on

Rahn, appointed in 2015, was brought in to spearhead two-term Republican Gov. Larry Hogan’s agenda that prioritized highways and bridges and road projects over mass transit.

Rahn, who is expected to leave following his final Cabinet meeting Tuesday, will be replaced by State Highway Administration Administrator Greg Slater, the governor’s office said.

“Under his leadership, we have made record investments in transit, advanced the Purple Line — the largest transit project of its kind in North America — secured the Beltway Accord and the Traffic Relief Plan, and resurfaced or improved more than half of our state highway system,” Hogan said of Rahn in a statement.

Hogan, in announcing his selection of Rahn before his inauguration, signaled the focus of his administration.

“Let me say: He’s the best highway builder in the country,” Hogan said at a January 2015 news conference.

Since taking the position, Rahn, who previously led transportation departments in Missouri and New Mexico, has carried out Hogan’s agenda. He focused on expanding the Baltimore Beltway and maintenance and repair projects on bridges and overpasses across the state.

Rahn stood alongside Hogan when the governor announced the cancellation of the Red Line in Baltimore and led the controversial revamping of the bus lines in Baltimore meant as a replacement for the long-promised multi-billion east-west light-rail mass transit project.

Rahn was also present when Hogan announced some of the largest transportation projects in the state. Among those projects were the construction of the new Gov. Harry W. Nice Memorial/Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton Bridge connecting southern Maryland to Virginia as well as proposed expansions of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, Capital Beltway and Interstate 270, believed to be the largest public-private partnership projects in North America.

Over five years, however, Rahn frequently and publicly butted heads with lawmakers.

Rahn came under scrutiny when the state was set to approve a consulting contract with a consortium led by HNTB — Rahn’s former employer — that would have been the start of the more than $9 billion public-private partnership to expand the Capital Beltway using toll lanes.

Rahn used a new state law to legally abbreviate the standard competitive bid process. He also chaired presentations given by four consortia, including one led by HNTB, and he later sat in on decision meetings.

Hogan ultimately delayed the announcement of the project last summer after a series of stories by The Daily Record brought the potential conflicts to light. Rahn later recused himself from the rebidding process.

Hogan has tapped Slater, a veteran over more than 20 years in state transportation, to be Rahn’s successor. Slater’s appointment is subject to approval by the Maryland Senate.

“Greg Slater has committed his career to public service, and has earned a reputation around the country as an innovator who is tireless and relentless about transportation solutions,” said Hogan. “Greg will continue to lead our efforts to advance the once-in-a-generation Beltway Accord to address some of the worst traffic congestion in the country. With his decades of experience, Greg is sure to build on our balanced approach to infrastructure, including record investment in transit, as leader of the Maryland Department of Transportation.”

Slater’s appointment is not expected to signal a change in direction for Hogan as he continues to push for the Capital Beltway project and a widening of the American Legion Bridge. That project stalled against last week when Comptroller Peter Franchot and Democratic lawmakers called for a delay.

Slater, who was named to head the State Highway Administration in March 2017, has experience in both planning and engineering and is known for his interest in using performance-driven initiatives. During his time as leader of the administration, the department has added the use of smart traffic control systems and app-driven data to monitor traffic flow and choke-points that could later determine priorities for future highway projects.

Slater is seen as a friendlier face for the department after years of contentious back and forth between lawmakers and Rahn.

Prior to being named to head the administration, Slater served as deputy administrator for Planning, Engineering, Real Estate and Environment for the agency. He also served seven years as director of planning.