Ex-lawmaker named to Ill. Natural Resources post

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has named a veteran former lawmaker to head the state's Department of Natural Resources.

Kurt Granberg, a 55-year-old Carlyle Democrat, was appointed Friday. He was named to the $133,000-a-year post for a term ending January 2011.

Granberg has served in the House of Representatives since 1987 and was assistant majority leader under Speaker Michael Madigan. He resigned his seat before the House voted Jan. 9 to impeach Blagojevich.

With nearly 1,500 employees, the agency is charged with maintaining and protecting the state's natural areas, promoting outdoor recreation and enforcing wildlife laws.

He replaces Sam Flood, who'll return to his original post as assistant DNR director.