WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus S. King, Jr. (I-ME) today applauded an announcement by the U.S. Department of Transportation that Peter Vigue, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Cianbro Companies, has been appointed to the newly-established National Freight Advisory Committee (NFAC). In March, Senators King and Collins sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in support of Mr. Vigue’s nomination, which is attached.

 “I could not be more pleased to congratulate Pete on his appointment to the National Freight Advisory Council,” Senator King said. “His proven experience in construction and his determined ability to solve the most complex transportation challenges make him the right man for the job. I know that he’ll provide invaluable insight on freight issues and that the Advisory Committee will be well-served by his talent.”

The NFAC is a diverse group of professionals that will provide advice and recommendations aimed at improving the national freight transportation system.

The Advisory Committee is comprised of 47 voting members from outside the Department of Transportation.  The Deputy Secretary and Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy, as well as representatives from other Federal agencies with freight-related obligations, will serve as ex-officio members.  Members come with various perspectives on freight transportation and represent various modes of transportation, geographic regions, and policy areas.  Freight customers and providers, labor representatives, safety experts and government entities are all represented as well. 

Members will serve two-year terms and meet at least three times per year.  The first NFAC meeting is scheduled for June 25, 2013, at the Department of Transportation and will include an overview of MAP-21 Freight provisions and preliminary identification of NFAC activities.  The meeting is open to the public.  Information regarding the meeting will be available on the Federal Register.

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