Governor Dave Heineman has appointed a longtime employee of the Nebraska Department of Roads to be its permanent director.

Heineman announced on Monday that Monty Fredrickson will replace John Craig, who left for another job in Oregon.

Fredrickson's new role began on Monday, but he had already been serving as acting director for about a month.

Fredrickson has been the department's deputy director of engineering since 1992. He started his career at the department in 1970.

Heineman says Fredrickson "knows and understands every aspect of the Department of Roads."

Fredrickson's salary will be $135,000.