MONTGOMERY — State Rep. Lynn Greer, R-Rogersville, has been appointed chairman of the House Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure committee.

“This committee is invaluable in its work to address issues critical to Alabama,” said House Speaker Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn, in a news release announcing appointments.

“Whether it be working with the Department of Transportation to build or repair roads or making other key infrastructure decisions that are vital to our economic development, Rep. Greer is a highly respected member, and I have no doubt that he will be up to the challenge of the tough choices this committee requires.”

Greer came into office in the Lauderdale district as a Democrat in 1974 and was re-elected in 1978. In 1982, he won a seat on the Public Service Commission, a three-member utility regulatory board.

In 2002, voters elected him as a Republican for the District 2 seat — a first for an area that mainly votes Democratic at the local level. He was again elected in 2010.