U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced Dec. 30 that Martin Klepper will join the USDOT Build America Bureau (Bureau) as the initial executive director.
The Build America Bureau combines the following DOT programs: the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA), the Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing (RRIF), the private activity bond (PAB) program, the Outreach and Project Development functions of the BATIC, and the Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) grant program.
The Bureau is a newly created entity within the USDOT that aims to "streamline access to federal credit and grant opportunities while providing technical assistance to project planning, financing, delivery, and monitoring. The Bureau will also help state and local governments develop and finance public-private partnership transactions (P3’s) for transportation facilities."
Klepper is a senior partner in the Energy and Infrastructure Projects Group at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, LLP, where he has been developing, financing, acquiring and selling transportation, energy, and other large infrastructure projects in the United States and abroad.
"We are pleased to have someone with Martin’s significant experience and expertise at the helm of the Bureau,” said Secretary Foxx. “Under his leadership, the Bureau will be a driving force in financing transportation projects across the country.”