In May 1979, incoming Governor Clements appointed Barnhart to the then three-member (since five members) Texas Department of Transportation. He served on the Texas Turnpike Authority,<ref name=whow/> the state agency responsible for construction and operation of major toll facilities.. At that time, Barnhart left his position with the Barmore Insurance Agency in Pasadena.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=44068|title=Ronald Reagan: Nomination of Ray A. Barnhart To Be Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, January 20, 1981|publisher=Presidency.ucsb.edu|accessdate=January 9, 2010}}</ref> | In May 1979, incoming Governor Clements appointed Barnhart to the then three-member (since five members) Texas Department of Transportation. He served on the Texas Turnpike Authority,<ref name=whow/> the state agency responsible for construction and operation of major toll facilities.. At that time, Barnhart left his position with the Barmore Insurance Agency in Pasadena.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=44068|title=Ronald Reagan: Nomination of Ray A. Barnhart To Be Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, January 20, 1981|publisher=Presidency.ucsb.edu|accessdate=January 9, 2010}}</ref> |