WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Obama on Monday announced his nomination of Charlotte, N.C., Mayor Anthony Foxx to serve as the new U.S. secretary of transportation.

If confirmed by the Senate, Foxx would replace Ray LaHood, who announced in January that he would not serve a second term in the position.

In a press conference on Monday, Obama and Foxx praised LaHood's work as secretary of transportation. Foxx also pointed to the need to "work together across party lines" to improve the nation's infrastructure, noting that there are no Democratic or Republican roads, bridges or airports.

Foxx became mayor of Charlotte in 2009. Before that, he served two terms on the Charlotte city council, where he chaired the transportation committee and was a member of the economic development and planning committee.

Foxx's background also includes a stint as deputy general counsel for hybrid and electric bus manufacturer DesignLine Corp.

Building America's Future, an infrastructure-focused coalition of bipartisan elected officials, quickly applauded Foxx's nomination.

“Mayor Foxx has firsthand knowledge of how to create jobs through smart investment in transportation and infrastructure," said Ed Rendell, former Pennsylvania governor and co-chairman of Building America’s Future. "Charlotte is a vibrant city in the middle of undertaking some very innovative transportation projects, including a new streetcar and expansion of the city’s light rail system.”