Soy Transportation Coalition pleased “A Rural Perspective” to head Department of Transportation The Soy Transportation Coalition (STC) is pleased to learn of President-elect Barack Obama’s decision to nominate seven-term Congressman Ray LaHood to serve as Secretary of Transportation. LaHood, a Republican representing Illinois’ 18th Congressional District, will play a key role in determining a roadmap for investing in the nation’s transportation infrastructure. LaHood’s congressional district includes the cities of Peoria and Springfield as well as some of the most productive farmland in the country with soybean and corn production significantly contributing to the area’s economy. “I am pleased Congressman LaHood, the nominee for our next Secretary of Transportation, has an acute understanding of the transportation needs of both urban and rural America,” explains Dean Campbell, a farmer from Coulterville, Ill., and Chairman of the Soy Transportation Coalition. “In order to satisfy our nation’s needs for affordable food and renewable energy, as well as helping to alleviate hunger and malnutrition overseas, we need a domestic transportation system that can ensure cost effective and reliable delivery of agriculture products. I believe Congressman LaHood shares this understanding.” Ron Kindred, a farmer from Atlanta, Ill., located in the 18th district, and board member of STC and the American Soybean Association further explains, “Our nation’s roads and highways, locks and dams, and rail network are essential and in need of investment. Congressmen LaHood has demonstrated strong support for this over the years. It is our hope that, as Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood will encourage our nation to finally demonstrate a long term commitment to these projects that will meet our long term needs.” Mike Steenhoek, executive director of STC states, “Unfortunately, many in this country see our transportation problems purely in terms of urban congestion and long commute times. While these problems are certainly real and need to be addressed, we cannot ignore the transportation infrastructure that accommodates the journey from farm to dinner plate. We are therefore encouraged that Congressman LaHood will bring a strong rural perspective to the Department of Transportation.”
	The Soy Transportation Coalition is comprised of seven state soybean boards, the American Soybean Association, and the United Soybean Board. The National Grain and Feed Association and the National Oilseed Processors Association serve as ex-officio members of the organization.