Missouri Department of Transportation Director Pete Rahn’s last day on the job will be April 23, after which he’ll return to his home state of New Mexico.

The Commission will name an interim director and undertake a national search for Rahn’s replacement.

“MoDOT is a tremendous organization filled with talented and dedicated employees,” Rahn said. “I feel very fortunate I have been allowed to associate with these exceptional people.”

Rahn has served as director since September 2004. He will be assuming a position of Senior Vice President with HNTB, a Kansas City-based engineering firm. He will lead HNTB’s national transportation practice.

Speaking more politically off the cuff, after some prodding by reporters, Rahn said he thinks Missouri should consider toll roads, privatizing highways, implementing “hot” lanes and more to avoid watching the system crumble amid a lack of funding. He says the best idea would be to implement a flat sales tax.

Rahn says his decision to leave MoDOT is not politically motivated, despite the challenges the department faces. He says that conversely, he loves a challenge and this would be the best time to stay on.

During Rahn’s tenure, thousand of Missouri roads and hundreds of bridges have been resurfaced, repaired, or replaced. He has repeatedly warned, however, that the state would not able to maintain that pace unless new revenue was found. Department forecasters say funding will be $18 billion under what is needed during the next two decades.

Despite Rahn’s repeated warnings, state legislators and transportation industry leaders have refused to bring forth a proposal for raising the additional funds.

News Director Bob Priddy contributed to this report.

AUDIO: Pete Rahn announces resignation (1:52 min.)

Downloadable video and photos are posted at www.modot.org