SAN BERNARDINO • In his new post as president of the regional transportation authority, 1st District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt said he’ll push to speed up the construction of local projects through creative funding and streamlining the approval process.

On Wednesday Mitzelfelt was unanimously elected president of San Bernardino Associated Governments, or SANBAG, which builds major transportation projects, distributes local transit funds and oversees regional planning efforts.

“I’m really looking forward to just taking advantage of this opportunity for its benefits to the High Desert and my district,” Mitzelfelt said. He added that his role will provide the desert region “more of a voice” and “ensure that our needs and impacts on our area aren’t overlooked.”

Victorville City Councilman Ryan McEachron said in a statement that “Mitzelfelt’s leadership will allow for the expedition and completion” of several transportation projects, including the La Mesa and Nisqualli interchange in Victorville. That project, the Yucca Loma Bridge in Apple Valley and the Ranchero Road interchange in Hesperia are each set to begin construction this year.