ATLANTA (AP) Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Harold E. Linnenkohl said Sept. 5 that he will retire Nov. 30, capping a 39-year DOT career, including four at the helm.

Before being named commissioner by the DOT board in September 2003, Linnenkohl was deputy under former Commissioner Tom Coleman, who resigned the previous month.

Before that, he was executive assistant to former Commissioner Wayne Shackelford.

Linnenkohl directs 5,800 employees statewide and manages an annual budget of more than $2 billion.

He is past president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and the Southern Association of State Highway Transportation Officials.

Gov. Sonny Perdue called Linnenkohl “a dedicated and effective leader” who “has contributed tremendously to the continued growth and development of our state.”

Perdue said he “spearheaded my Fast Forward program, infusing $15.5 billion into the system to fund projects in six years that would have otherwise taken 18 years to complete.

“Over the last four years, we have more than doubled transportation funding for road projects across our great state,” the governor said.

In his retirement announcement, Linnenkohl said he was proud “to have worked with the wonderful employees of this department. They are true public servants.

“It has been my privilege to work for quality transportation solutions during this exciting time in Georgia, and I appreciate the guidance and help of Gov. Perdue, the members of the State Transportation Board, the General Assembly and the traveling public toward our goal to provide a safe and efficient transportation system for this state.”

DOT board Chairman Mike Evans said Linnenkohl “has provided leadership as commissioner at a pivotal point in DOT’s history, and at a difficult point with the funding shortage.

“I think his background and longevity at the department, and frankly his love for the department, have been an asset at this particular time,” Evans said.

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