By KRWG News
New Mexico – Gov.-elect Susana Martinez has named a former state Environment Department secretary to help in selecting who will serve as New Mexico's top water policy official.
Martinez announced Monday a search committee that will identify and recommend candidates to become state engineer.
One committee member is Peter Maggiore (Ma-JOAR'-ee) of Los Alamos, who was environment secretary under former Republican Gary Johnson.
The search committee chairman is Albuquerque developer and contractor Jack Westman.
The state engineer oversees allocation and use of underground and surface waters. The appointee to the job will be subject to confirmation by the state Senate.
The current state engineer, John D'Antonio, was named by Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson.
Martinez, a Republican, takes office on Jan. 1.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.