GENERAL KENNETH R. WYKLE
1997 — 2001
Federal Highway Administrator
Teacher — Soldier — Businessman — Traveler
Born in Ronceverte, West Virginia, Mr. Wykle joined the United States Army in 1963. After assignments in the United States and overseas, he was appointed Deputy Commander in Chief of the U.S. Transportation Command, the unified command for the Army, Navy, and Air Force mobility. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant General in 1993, and retired two years later.
Returning to public service as Administrator in late 1997, Mr. Wykle worked to secure passage of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st century (TEA-21), which increased the Federal-aid Highway Program to record funding levels in the $30 billion range. He implemented TEA-21 rapidly, with emphasis on increased efficiency of program delivery.
Mr. Wykle addressed a wide range of issues by focusing on three management strategies. His focus on quality resulted in an Agency-wide self assessment to achieve the vision of creating the best transportation system in the world. By focusing on the strategic plan, he helped create a road map that concentrated the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) efforts on the goals of mobility, safety, productivity, human and natural environment, and national security. And his focus on reorganization reshaped the FHWA to correlate with the strategic plan, TEA-21, and changes in the world transportation system.
In addition, Mr. Wykle fostered his vision of leveraging technology to increase the capability of existing infrastructure. He championed Intelligent Transportation Systems and the application of technology as the Interstate Highway Program of the new century. With his background in military logistics, Mr. Wykle encouraged enhanced efficiency for freight shipments by road and through improved intermodal connectors. He also encouraged advances in pavement and bridge technology, as well as safety, to provide longer lasting, more efficient service to the American people.
For more than three years that bridged the start of a new millennium, Mr. Wykle helped prepare the FHWA for the challenges of the 21st century.