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About Thomas D. Larson
- Thomas D.
- Larson (September 28, 1928 – July 20, 2006) was an American administrator, who was sworn in as the Federal Highway Administrator on August 10, 1989.
- A native of Pennsylvania, Larson came to the FHWA after a career as a researcher, Professor of Civil Engineering, and administrator at the Pennsylvania State University.
- He was Pennsylvania's Secretary of Transportation for eight years, and a leader in the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and the Transportation Research Board. Larson led the preparation of the National Transportation Policy in March 1990 and played a strong role in molding the landmark Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA).
- To match this first major restructuring of the Federal-aid Highway Program and rethinking of the Agency's mission since the Interstate era began in 1956, Larson oversaw an FHWA reorganization and established the agency-wide strategic planning initiative (FHWA 2000) that prepared FHWA to better meet State and local needs in implementing ISTEA for the Nation's ever-increasing mobility needs. Additional highlights during his tenure included a continuing decline in the highway fatality rate to an all-time low, a dramatic increase in the research, technology, and intelligent Vehicle Highway System programs, and continued support for university transportation centers.
- During his service, Larson emphasized innovation and partnerships, renewed the commitment to environmental sensitivity as embodied in the FHWA Environmental Policy Statement of April 1990,; reinvigorated motor carrier safety enforcement, and expanded diversity education and training for all employees.
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