Interim Kansas Departmetn of Transportation leader set to stay put

The interim director of the Kansas Department of Transportation just got a vote of confidence from his boss, Gov. Sam Brownback.

Richard Carlson, who has been the agency’s interim director since the middle of July, was named by Brownback as acting secretary on Monday, according to a news release from the governor’s office.

“Richard Carlson brings both experience and a deep understanding of Kansas and its citizens to this position,” Brownback said in a statement. “I appreciate his commitment to serving the state and know that he will be a strong and positive leader for KDOT.”

Carlson, a former state representative, took over after Secretary of Transportation Mike King announced he was stepping down earlier this summer. Now that he’s been appointed by Brownback, Carlson will have to be confirmed by the state Senate.

This story was originally published October 24, 2016 at 5:17 PM with the headline "Interim Kansas Departmetn of Transportation leader set to stay put."