State Transportation Commission

The New Mexico State Transportation Commission (prior to 2003, the State Highway Commission) was established by the State Legislature in 1909. It assumed the function performed by the Territorial Roads Commission prior to New Mexico's statehood.

Under present law, there are six Commissioners, one from each of the state's legislated highway districts. Commissioners are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the State Senate. They serve staggered six-year terms. No more than four Commissioners shall belong to the same political party. Commissioners serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

State law also provides that the Commission shall set policy for the Department of Transportation, leaving the day-to-day operations and management of the agency to the Department's Cabinet Secretary, a full-time employee, appointed by the Governor with the approval of the State Transportation Commission and subject to the advice and consent of the State Senate.