HARRISBURG -- At a meeting in Philadelphia today, Gov. Ed Rendell became the new chairman of the National Governors Association, an organization that lobbies the federal government on behalf of states.

Mr. Rendell, who takes the helm of the 100-year-old group from Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, said he'll focus, in his year-long term, on getting more federal funding for road construction, bridge repair and sewer and water projects in states.

"If America is to continue competing in the global economic marketplace, we need an efficient and sound infrastructure," Mr. Rendell said. "We need the commitment of greater federal resources to help states meet these pressing needs."

Mr. Pawlenty, a Republican, focused on projects for clean energy during his year in charge of the NGA. The position alternates between Republican and Democratic governors. The NGA is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.