Greg Jergeson begins duties as new commissioner on Montana's Transportation Commission
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Greg Jergeson, D-Chinook, has begun his duties as a commissioner on the Montana Transportation Commission. He was recently appointed to a four-year term by Governor Steve Bullock. The Montana Transportation Commission is responsible for prioritizing and approving transportation projects across the state.
Greg Jergeson, D- Chinook, a former Montana State Senator and Public Service Commissioner, is one of three new appointees by Governor Steve Bullock to a four-year term as a commissioner on the Montana Transportation Commission. Jergeson is the new commissioner representing District 3 which covers roughly an area from Phillips County to the east and Glacier County to the west and south to include Great Falls and the Helena area. The commission, a quasi-judicial board, has five members, each of whom represents one of five districts covering Montana.
Transportation Commission's
principle duties
The Transportation Commission performs a variety of duties with major responsibilities to prioritize construction projects and award monthly construction contracts. The Commission holds regular meetings, some by conference call and some face-to-face in Helena. Proposed highway projects are discussed at commission meetings and once the Transportation Commission approves a project, and the Federal Highway Administration concurs, the approved project is included in the current Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Availability of funds determines when projects in STIP are actually bid and completed.
Jergeson receives appointment and begins work on the Commission
Jergeson said he was on the Governor's list for potential appointments for some time. Governor Bullock appointed him to a three-year term on the Montana Agriculture Development Council in 2015. His recent appointment came as a surprise. He said, "My wife, Barb, and I were in Great Falls getting ready to fly out on a vacation. I got a call from someone in the Governor's Office asking about several people in the north central Montana area who might serve on the Transportation Committee. I asked, "Are you planning to appoint someone from this area?" and the caller replied, "Yes, we're going to appoint you."" He said a colleague from the Senate sent him a congratulatory email and that convinced him the appointment was a fact. A press release regarding the appointment was issued by the Governor's office on February 10.
The five commissioners, with three new members, will hold their first meeting on February 23. Jergeson said, "I've already been in contact with the Department of Transportation and am reviewing agenda items for the first meeting. We've been told that the meeting, in Helena, will be a short one but the new members should be prepared for a possible Senate confirmation hearing sometime during the day." He added that most former legislators usually had no serious challenges when being confirmed to a gubernatorial appointment since the appointees were known by former colleagues.
Jergeson served in the state Senate for several separated terms when he was term limited. He said during his time in the legislature he served during three sessions on the Senate Highway and Transportation Committee. He is familiar with how the Transportation Department works and some of the challenges it faces. He said as a legislative committee member he participated in many meetings with the Department of Transportation.
He also feels his eight years as a Public Service Commission member, six as chairman, was good preparation for serving on a quasi-judicial board. Quasi-judicial boards must act within state laws that apply to them and base their decisions on the evidence presented to them. Jergeson said, "Unlike the Public Service Commission that often dealt with long, drawn out hearings, I understand the Transportation Commission's hearings tend to be shorter ones."
As to his appointment and new duties, Jergeson said, "I'm very excited to begin work." As to the importance of the Commission's work, he explained he believes a varied and robust transportation system is critical to the state's economy. He added, "From my experience as a legislator, I expect there will never be enough money to fund every project." Prioritizing projects is a major part of the commission's work.
The "Journal" congratulates Greg Jergeson on his appointment to the Montana Transportation Commission and wishes him success in his new endeavor.
