What does the Transportation Secretary do?

Oversees state highways, mass transit, ferries and other transportation programs.

As head of the N.C. Department of Transportation, the governor-appointed secretary supervises the state's divisions on highways, mass transit and railroads, as well as aviation, bicycle and pedestrian trails and ferries.

The department also includes the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles, which oversees driver's licenses and vehicle registration.

The department is one of largest in the Cabinet or the Council of State. It employs more than 12,000 people and has an annual budget of more than $3 billion, including both state and federal money.

The secretary is one of 10 Cabinet-level positions appointed by the governor to head state agencies. In 2008-09, the annual salary was $120,363.

The State Highway Commission was created in 1915. In 1941, the legislature created the Department of Motor Vehicles.

In 1971, the two agencies were merged to form the N.C. Department of Transportation and Highway Safety during the administration of Gov. Bob Scott.

The department was given its current name in 1979.

The department is outlined in general statutes under Article 8 of G.S. 143B.