DES MOINES – Gov. Terry Branstad today appointed Congressman Leonard Boswell to the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission. The appointment comes after Tom Rielly resigned from the commission due to a business-related conflict of interest.
“I’m pleased today to appoint Leonard to the Iowa Transportation Commission,” said Branstad. “As a veteran, former state legislator and United States Congressman, Leonard’s life has been one of service to our state and country. I’m confident he’ll be a tremendous asset to the commission.”
The seven-member commission develops a comprehensive transportation policy and plan for the state, identifies transportation needs, and develops programs to meet these needs. Other commission duties and responsibilities are broadly stated in Iowa Code chapters 307 and 307A. (IAC 761-1.6)
Boswell served three terms in the Iowa Senate from 1984-1996. He was elected to the United States Congress in 1997, where he served until 2013. He was drafted into United States Army as a private, where he earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses, Soldier’s Medal, two Bronze Stars, Air Medal with the “V” Device and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Boswell and his wife, Dody, reside on a farm near Lamoni, Iowa.
Boswell will fulfill the remainder of Rielly’s term, which concludes April 30, 2017. The appointment takes effect immediately and is subject to Senate confirmation. State law requires the DOT Commission be balanced by gender and party affiliation.
