BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum today announced the retirement of North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Director Grant Levi, extending his gratitude to Levi for his dedication and contribution to the state’s transportation system over more than three decades.
Levi’s retirement will be official at the end of May. He was appointed NDDOT director in May 2013 by then-Gov. Jack Dalrymple. He began his career with the department in 1980.
“Grant’s 37-plus years of experience, knowledge and commitment to public service have been a tremendous asset for the state’s transportation system,” Burgum said. “He has done an excellent job managing North Dakota’s transportation services and system during a period of record traffic growth across our state. I’ve enjoyed working with him and deeply appreciate his work during the past few months. In addition, he and his team oversaw record state highway construction projects totaling billions of dollars during the boom in our economy. The NDDOT, the Governor’s office and cabinet wish him the best in his retirement.”
As NDDOT director, Levi is responsible for the daily operations of the department. Prior to serving as director, he was NDDOT’s deputy director for engineering for 14 years, managing the department’s planning, programming, pre-construction, construction and maintenance programs.
During his career, Levi has worked throughout the state, in the Valley City District, the Fargo District and at NDDOT headquarters in Bismarck. He earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from North Dakota State University.
“I appreciate the opportunity to serve Governor Burgum as I support his vision for North Dakota. The initiatives the governor is undertaking, such as the Main Street Initiative, will enable the state to continue to prosper,” Levi said. “My career at NDDOT has been filled with phenomenal opportunities. The department has overcome numerous challenges and successfully accomplished many projects for our state, thanks to the great people in this organization. I am immensely thankful to the governor for the opportunity he gave me to serve our state and the citizens of North Dakota.”
Burgum has named Ron Henke to serve as interim director. A full search for a new director will begin next week. Henke currently serves as NDDOT’s deputy director for engineering. He joined the department in 1990.