The executive director of the state's transportation department was named the next Lower Colorado River Authority general manager on Dec. 18.

Phil Wilson on Feb. 1 will replace outgoing LCRA General Manager Becky Motal, who steps down Dec. 31 after a 27-year stint with the electric and water utility agency.

"I am excited about being selected to lead LCRA," Wilson said in a statement. "I look forward to working with our customers, communities and the Legislature as we work to address our region's water and power challenges. LCRA has a rich history of being a strong contributor to Texas economic strength, and I look forward to continuing in that tradition."

Ross Phillips, one of LCRA's two deputy managers, will become interim general manager upon Motal's exit at the end of the year. Wilson will take over for Phillips one month later.

Wilson leaves the top post at TxDOT after two-plus years as executive director. His resume also includes a stint as Texas Secretary of State from 2007–08, among other high-profile public positions.

"[Wilson] steps into this job at a critical time," LCRA Board Chairman Tim Timmerman said in a statement. "Our region faces serious challenges as this drought continues. LCRA plays an important role in developing new water supplies as we manage current supplies for more than 1 million people."