(AP) Rep. Terry Landry, D-New Iberia, was appointed Friday as the chairman of the House Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee.

Landry, who had been serving on the committee the past six years, also served  as interim chairman since March when Kenny Havard, R-St. Francisville, resigned from the position.

“It is really humbling because the position is a very important part of what we do in the House,” Landry said. “We have $12B backlog in our transportation infrastructure. It is an awesome responsibility to be the one to try improving our infrastructure moving forward.”

The 66-year-old legislator also serves on the Atchafalaya Basin Program Oversight Committee, Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay and Special Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, as well as being a member of the Louisiana Rural Caucus and the Acadiana Delegation.

“We are very proud of our delegation member, Terry Landry, in his new House leadership role as the head of House Transportation,” Rep. Blake Miguez, R-Erath, said. “Terry has the experience on the subject matter and will do a great job for the people of Louisiana.”

Prior to serving on the political stage, the Vietnam War veteran served for more than two decades with the Louisiana State Police, eventually retiring with the rank of superintendent. Landry also has served as director of security for the New Orleans International Airport and chief of police for both Southern University and Baton Rouge Community College.

That experience should prove helpful in his new legislative role.

“I feel that it uniquely qualifies me,” Landry said. “With the State Police, you work hand-in-hand with the Department of Transportation. My experience puts me in a place to better understand some of the struggles and obstacles that face both our department and our state.”

Landry is thankful for the opportunity to serve as committee chairman.

“I really appreciate Speaker (Taylor) Barras,” Landry said. “I know this was a tough decision for him because there were several very qualified people that were interested in this position. I truly appreciate his confidence in me.”