AUSTIN — Two of the transportation industry¿s most prominent contributors have been selected for induction into the Texas Transportation Hall of Honor – Ray Barnhart and Raymond Stotzer.
Barnhart is former administrator of the Federal Highway Administration and Stotzer was former Engineer-Director for the Texas Department of Transportation. The Hall of Honor was established in 2000 by the Texas Transportation Institute.
An induction ceremony is set for 10 a.m. April 19 at the Dewitt C. Greer building located at 125 E. 11th Street in Austin.
“The Hall of Honor is intended to recognize that small group of people whose vision and exceptional leadership made possible the outstanding transportation system we have today,” TTI Deputy Director Dennis Christiansen said. “We are proud and thankful to recognize these great leaders for what they’ve given the people of Texas and the nation.”
As Administrator of the FHWA from 1981 to 1987, Barnhart earned praise from associates for his strong leadership, easy manner, and extraordinary communication skills. His tenure was marked by efforts to protect the integrity of the Highway Trust Fund, streamline procedures, shorten delays, and return management authority to the states. During his tenure at FHWA, Barnhart established 42 technology transfer centers at U.S. colleges and universities, and restructured and strengthened the agency’s motor carrier and international highway programs.
Barnhart came to the Federal Highway Administration from Pasadena, Texas, where he was a member of the State Highway Commission and led a successful career in the utilities construction and insurance business. He also served as a city councilman, a Texas state legislator, and State Republican Party chairman.
Stotzer’s service to TxDOT spanned more than 40 years. He began as an entry-level engineer in 1947 and became District Engineer in 1968, serving in that leadership position for both the Pharr and San Antonio districts. He led the development and construction of the Queen Isabella Causeway, Texas’ longest bridge, and he addressed congestion in San Antonio by improving major freeways. Stotzer, colleagues note, was willing to take risks to pursue innovative ideas in areas such as organizational structure, highway design, and right-of-way acquisition.
Stotzer was a recipient of numerous awards, including being named a Distinguished Alumnus of the College of Engineering at Texas A&M and “Citizen of the Year” by the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. He also received the Luther DeBerry Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the State of Texas in the field of transportation. He became the State Highway Engineer-Director in 1986 and served in that position until his death in October 1989.