Acting U.S. Transportation Secretary Maria Cino announced that James S. Simpson has been confirmed by the Senate and sworn in as administrator of the Federal Transit Administration. Prior to his appointment, Simpson was with the New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for 10 years, where he served as chairman of the Safety and Security Committee as well as chairman of the Planning and Real Estate Committee. He also was the primary MTA board liaison to the governor’s and mayor’s offices following the 9/11 attacks and was appointed by President Bush to the St. Lawrence Seaway Advisory Board, where he also served as chairman. Earlier this month, the Senate confirmed John H. Hill as the next administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. He will succeed Annette Sandberg, who resigned from the position several months ago. The Senate has also recently confirmed the appointment of Charles D. “Chip” Nottingham as chairman of the federal Surface Transportation Board.