New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey has announced a 28-year agency veteran is his choice to lead the state's transportation department. Jack Lettiere will replace Jamie Fox, whom McGreevey has appointed chief of staff, as transportation commissioner.

Lettiere's appointment as commissioner requires state Senate approval. Lettiere was appointed deputy commissioner in February and previously served as assistant commissioner for capital improvement. He has managed the department's $2.6 billion capital program since 1993.

The governor said Fox, who mapped out a plan to revamp the maligned Division of Motor Vehicles, would continue to focus on transportation issues.