WASHINGTON -- President Bush on Tuesday named Allan Rutter as head of the Federal Railroad Administration, reports a wire service.

Rutter has been transportation policy director in the Texas governor's office since 1995, serving under Bush from 1995 until Bush resigned in December to assume the presidency. Since then, Rutter has served under Bush's successor, Texas Gov. Rick Perry.

Rutter was deputy executive director of the Texas High-Speed Rail Authority from 1990 to 1995. He served Texas Govs. Mark White and William Clements as a senior budget analyst from 1985 1990.

He replaces acting FRA Administrator Mark Lindsey.

The FRA promotes safety on the nation's rails.