A former Maine legislator with ties to Lewiston has been nominated to head the Federal Highway Administration.

Greg Nadeau, brother to Lewiston Deputy City Administrator Phil Nadeau, was announced as President Obama’s choice for the position Friday afternoon.

“I have known Greg for many years and have worked closely with him on several projects benefiting Maine’s transportation priorities,” U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said in a written statement. “I am delighted the president has nominated him. This is well earned recognition of Greg’s expertise in transportation policy.”

Nadeau is the deputy administrator of the Federal Highway Administration at the Department of Transportation, a position he has held since 2009. From July 2014 to February 2015, he also served as the acting administrator.

Nadeau served at the Maine Department of Transportation from 2002 to 2009 in various capacities, including as the deputy commissioner for policy, planning and communications from 2004 to 2009 and as the director of policy and communications from 2002 to 2004.

Prior to that, Nadeau served as a senior policy adviser to Maine Gov. Angus King from 1995 to 2002 and as a policy adviser in the Office of the Senate President of Maine from 1993 to 1994.

He was president of Public Policy Associates Inc. from 1991 to 1993. Before that, Nadeau served as a member of the Maine House of Representatives from 1978 to 1990.

“Greg is an experienced and thoughtful leader who will ?be a champion for improving and strengthening America’s highway system,” U.S. Sen. King, I-Maine, said. “As a trusted adviser during my time in the governor’s office, he provided me with invaluable advice and sound counsel, and I am confident that he will do the same for the president. I commend the president on his wise choice, and look forward to working closely with Greg ?to modernize America’s highway system.”