Department of Transportation executive director John Njord, who has a long working relationship with Peters, said her stint as Arizona's transportation chief gives her insight into issues peculiar to the West.

The region's growth rate - Utah, Idaho, Nevada and Arizona top other states - has exceeded its highways' capacities. It won't be enough to add lanes to existing roads, Njord said. New highways must be built.

"Mary, coming from Phoenix, means she's experienced the same problems" as Utah, Njord said.

Njord and Peters worked closely on the federal highway reauthorization bill while she led the Federal Highway Administration. And when Utah celebrated the 50th anniversary of the nation's interstate system this summer, Peters and her husband, Terry, led the convoy up Parleys Canyon on their motorcycles, Njord said.

Former UDOT executive director Tom Warne, now a Salt Lake City-based transportation consultant, said if Peters is confirmed as a Bush Cabinet member, "it's great for Utah."

With the federal highway trust fund expected to be empty by 2009, Warne predicted Peters would try to advance a new bill in place to address highway funding at national level.

- Patty Henetz