Kansas transportation department leader is stepping down

The head of the Kansas Department of Transportation is on his way out.

Gov. Sam Brownback’s office announced Wednesday that Secretary of Transportation Mike King will step down in mid-July. The announcement comes more than four years after King took over the role.

“I am grateful for the vision and leadership of Mike King,” Brownback said in a statement. “His experience and construction knowledge have been instrumental in maintaining our nationally recognized highways. I appreciate Mike’s dedication to serving the people of Kansas.”

In the release announcing his departure, King said he will return to south-central Kansas and work for a private business. The transportation department has struggled in recent years as state lawmakers used KDOT money for other state expenses. In December, The Star reported that the state has taken $1 billion from KDOT since 2011.

“It has been a pleasure to work with the Governor for these past four years in providing a transportation network that meets the needs of all Kansans,” King said in a statement. “I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve my home state and am proud of the accomplishments by the entire KDOT and KTA team members.”

Former state representative Richard Carlson will fill King’s role during the search for a replacement, according to the governor’s office.

This story was originally published June 29, 2016 at 1:11 PM with the headline "Kansas transportation department leader is stepping down."