In her first visit to TTI, Rep. Lois Kolkhorst was introduced to numerous facets of transportation research. The District 13 State Representative met with the Institute’s Leadership Team on Nov. 19 during an informal gathering at Riverside Campus. The Brenham, Texas, native is in her fourth term representing Austin, Grimes, Walker and Washington Counties. Cathy Reiley, Texas A&M assistant vice chancellor of engineering, accompanied Kolkhorst on the visit.
“We were all impressed with her obvious interest in TTI,” said Director Dennis Christiansen. “She asked a lot of questions about what we do and how we do it. Judging from her questions, she is a strong supporter of transportation research and how it impacts mobility and safety, especially in rural areas.”
As part of the meeting, Kolkhorst heard results on research conducted at TTI regarding topics she has expressed interest in during her career-rural roadway safety, freight transportation and parent-taught driver education. She also witnessed a crash test involving a perimeter security fence. John Mounce, Steve Roop, Dean Alberson, Roger Bligh, Val Pezoldt and Dave Willis were among the TTI employees who presented information about their programs and/or research results.
Kolkhorst serves on the House Appropriations Committee and the Sunset Advisory Committee.