Rep. Gregg Buxton, R-Roy, has been named the new director of the state Division of Facilities Construction and Management and will be replaced in the Utah Legislature next month.

"It's a good fit," said Buxton, 58, who describes himself as growing up in the construction business. When he was first elected to the Legislature in 2002, he retired as a general contractor and land developer but continued to do home inspections and consulting.

Buxton said he'll be able to step easily into his new post in mid-April because he has spent three years as co-chairman of the joint appropriations committee for capital facilities and administrative services.

"One of reasons it's such an easy transition is I am aware of all the things they're doing," he said. The division oversees state construction projects as well as the maintenance of state buildings.

Buxton said he did not do business with the state in his professional life, focusing instead on small commercial and retail developments as well as some school construction in the Weber School District.

For the past four years, the division director has been Keith Stepan, who is retiring from state government. Stepan said Buxton "is highly respected by the design and construction industry for his knowledge, integrity and ability to get things done."

Buxton said his resignation from the Legislature will become effective on the next legislative interim day, April 16. Delegates from his District 12 seat in Roy are expected to choose his replacement at the Weber County Republican Convention three days later.