TxDOT Executive Director Retires

Michael W. Behrens, executive director of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), retired from the agency Aug. 31.
Behrens, a 37-year TxDOT veteran, has served six years as head of the state’s transportation agency. He said he will remain a vocal supporter of meeting the state’s transportation needs amidst shrinking funding and growing demand.
“I will always be an advocate for the Department and the need for providing adequate transportation infrastructure for this state,” he said in a letter to Ric Williamson, chair of the Transportation Commission. “I will continue to inform and educate.”
During his tenure, Behrens oversaw the implementation of a vast array of new financing tools to help Texas better and more rapidly meet its growing transportation needs. These include comprehensive development agreements, pass-through financing, expanded bonding authority, and public-private partnerships.
“Mike Behrens’ dedicated service has better prepared Texas to meet the challenge of a rapidly growing population and an overcrowded, aging transportation system,” said Williamson. “He is a true public servant who has devoted his entire career to improving mobility and safety for all Texans.”
Behrens began his career with the Texas Highway Department as an engineering assistant in the Yoakum District. He became the department’s assistant executive director for engineering operations in 1998 and executive director in 2001.
The Giddings native said that change