The state House Transportation Committee on Wednesday unanimously confirmed Gov. Sonny Perdue’s appointee as the first director of planning for the Georgia Transportation Department.

Todd Long is the director of engineering, information technology and business-related projects for the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority.

He also spent 18 years in various positions at the GDOT, including as division director for the both the preconstruction and administration divisions.

Committee member state Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, said Long “fielded some tough questions” during the confirmation hearing and presented himself well.

“He seems to have a good understanding, not only of where we are, but where we’ve got to go,” Loudermilk said. “He knows we have to plan as if we won’t have more money to add (vehicle) capacity. He’s definitely in favor of demand-reduction as well.”

That means an increased focus on carpooling, mass transit, walking, biking and telecommuting as elements of transportation planning.

Long also indicated support of Loudermilk’s continuing push to earmark aviation fuel taxes for airport improvements.

“He knows airports are vital and we need to invest in them more,” Loudermilk said. “Using the fuel tax is a way of funding airports that have a lot of economic potential — like in Floyd County — without taxing the people.”

The position was created by the General Assembly this spring with the passage of Senate Bill 200.

Long is charged with developing a statewide strategic transportation plan and an annual budget for the projects.

While GDOT Commissioner Vance Smith and the State Transportation Board still run the agency, projects are now subject to the director’s plan as approved by the governor and legislature.

Language in the bill sets an Oct. 15 deadline for Long to submit a strategic plan progress report. A draft strategic plan is due Dec. 31.