MONTGOMERY - A House committee on Wednesday approved a bill creating a statewide transportation commission that would ensure smooth continuation of road projects beyond the terms of gubernatorial administrations.
The Government Operations Committee approved a bill by Rep. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, that would establish a five-member transportation commission that would hire transportation directors. Currently the governor appoints transportation directors.

Ward and Sen. Bobby Denton, D-Muscle Shoals, have bills creating a commission consisting of one member each from north, central and south geographic areas and two at-large members, all appointed by the governor.
"We got this based on the models in 32 other states," Ward said.

Gov. Bob Riley said he prefers an appointed commission with no geographic limitations on its membership.
Ward said his bill is in response to House Speaker Seth Hammett's infrastructure committee.
Committee members approved the bill on a voice vote.

"I live on the line in Red Bay and I see how it works in Mississippi," said Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow, D-Red Bay, a member of the committee.