By KRWG News
New Mexico – SANTA FE, N.M. (KRWG) Gov. Susana Martinez has selected civil engineer Scott Verhines of Albuquerque to become New Mexico's top water manager.
Martinez announced the appointment of Verhines (Vur-HINES) as state engineer on Thursday and said Estevan Lopez will continue to serve director of the Interstate Stream Commission.
The state engineer is New Mexico's water czar a critical job in a drought-stricken state.
Verhines has more than 30 years of experience as an engineer on water and transportation projects. He replaces John D'Antonio, who has been state engineer since 2003 but is leaving to join the Army Corps of Engineers in Albuquerque.
Verhines, 55, is a Republican who owns a consulting engineering firm with offices in Albuquerque and Roswell. His appointment is subject to confirmation by the state Senate
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. KRWG