Nevada Dept. of Transportation (NDOT) Director Jeff Fontaine announced on Dec. 11 that he is stepping down in January. The move comes among speculation that incoming Gov.-elect Jim Gibbons (R) would name a new director. Fontaine has accepted a position as executive director of the Nevada Association of Counties, nonprofit group representing the state's 17 counties.
Fontaine served as NDOT director since June 6, 2003, and previously was deputy director from 1995-2003. NDOT has 1,700 employees and a $674-million annual budget. The agency oversees the maintenance and operation of 5,400 miles of state highway and nearly 1,000 bridges.