Washington Works

In the summer of 1983 Roland Storme, fresh out of high school, took a temporary summer job at the Washington State Department of Transportation as a way to earn money toward college tuition and living expenses. He returned the next summer and in 1985 he successfully competed for a permanent, full-time position as a survey crewmember in the Mount Vernon field office.

Since then, Storme has worked on a design team, in field inspection, materials inspection and documentation, and as a chief inspector. He spent the last two years as a development services manager.

“When I started out, I had no idea I would be doing the job I’m doing now,” Storme said. “When the job became available, it sounded interesting so I competed for it. I’d like to think that my past work experience helped, in that I’ve had a pretty good overview of the department’s operations.”

Storme works with Whatcom, Skagit and Island County cities, counties and developers. If developments like new single-family homes, sub-divisions, multi-family dwellings and shopping centers will impact traffic on a state route, developers are required to lessen those impacts by adding traffic lanes, turn lanes, traffic signals or other congestion remedies.

As a development services manager Storme reviews plans for the new buildings, determines each projects potential traffic impacts, negotiates and writes agreements between WSDOT and other local government agencies, and issues State Highway Access Permits.

“There is always something new to learn here,” Storme said. “I’ve been fortunate. Every office has encouraged me to try new things and broaden my horizons. There is a lot of variety and opportunity at WSDOT.”

And his head is never far from transportation. In his spare time he restores cars.

With 20 years of knowledge and experience, Storme is sure to end up wearing a few more hats before he’s done.

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