Ohio Gov.-elect makes his choice to head state transportation department

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio’s governor-elect has named a 10-year veteran of the Ohio Department of Transportation to once again head the agency.

Republican John Kasich announced the appointment of Jerry Wray at a news conference today in Wray’s hometown of Newark, east of Columbus.

Wray served as ODOT director from 1991 to 1999 under previous GOP governors Bob Taft and George Voinovich. Kasich says Wray is a nationally recognized transportation expert who presided over a lean and efficient operation.

Under Wray, the department increased its construction program by $300 million from the previous decade while reducing operating costs.