Michael Baker promotes Don Sepulveda
Don Sepulveda has been promoted to vice president and deputy national market lead in the Railroad and Transit Practice for Michael Baker International’s West region.
OFF Track Maintenance
Canada commits funds to Toronto Relief Line
The government of Canada pledged CA$27 million (US$19.54 million) toward Toronto’s planned Relief Line, but the city’s Mayor John Tory requested a provincial financial commitment to secure the project’s future.
Maryland takes steps to slow Purple Line progress
Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Secretary Pete K. Rahn has ordered a suspension of new contracts, hiring and non-essential procurements for the Purple Line project citing recent litigation.
LA Metro approves $6.1B budget
The board of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority has approved the agency’s $6.1 billion budget for fiscal 2018.
The balanced budget increases spending by 1.4 percent over fiscal 2017.
GWI completes acquisition of Heart of Georgia Railroad
Genesee & Wyoming, Inc., completed its acquisition of the shares of Atlantic Western Transportation, Inc., parent company of Heart of Georgia Railroad, Inc. (HOG).
Twin Eagle to expand Permian Rail Park
Twin Eagle Sand Logistics, LLC (Twin Eagle), a subsidiary of Twin Eagle Resource Management, LLC, outlined plans to expand the Permian Rail Park near Big Springs, Texas.
GE leads group in Nigeria rail bid
A consortium led by General Electric and including Transnet, South Africa, has been named preferred bidder by the government of Nigeria government for a concession to rehabilitate, finance and operate Nigerian Railways’ 2178-mile network.
Former UTU official Bruce Wigent passes away
Former United Transportation Union (UTU) Vice President Bruce Wigent passed away on May 25. He was 73 years old.
KCS adds four new members to its board of directors
Kansas City Southern (KCS) announced that it will add four new directors to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. The new directors bring the board to 12 members, of which 11 are independent.
G&W appoints President and CEO Hellmann as chairman
Genesee & Wyoming, Inc., (G&W) announced that John C. Hellmann, president and CEO, was appointed chairman of the Board of Directors.
Librera heads MTA Staten Island Railway
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) appointed Sally Librera, to vice president and chief officer of the Staten Island Railway (SIR).
GO Transit celebrates 50 years serving Ontario
GO Transit marks its 50th anniversary, celebrating the Ontario transit’s ability to make it easier for people to travel across Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).
Watco celebrates new Alabama STAT Center
Watco Companies celebrated a new Safety Through Awareness and Training (STAT) Center with a ribbon cutting.
Amtrak Board designates Chicago Union Station Master Developer
Amtrak designated a team lead by Riverside Investment & Development Co. as the Master Developer for commercial elements of Chicago Union Station (CUS) and neighboring Amtrak-owned properties.
Tunnel expert Stone joins HNTB
Charles Stone will join HNTB as the company’s principal tunnel engineer.
Federal judge rules environmental study required for Maryland Purple Line project
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon issued a ruling May 22 that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the state of Maryland conduct an environmental study before the planned Purple Line project can proceed.
California Transportation Commission allocates more than $47 million to rail projects
The California Transportation Commission (CTC) allocated more than $47 million to state rail projects that the commission says will alleviate traffic delays, repair infrastructure and encourage non-car focused transportation.
Senate approves Rosen as USDOT deputy secretary
The U.S. Senate confirmed Jeffrey Rosen as deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) on May 16. Rosen is the 18th deputy secretary in USDOT’s 50-year history.
Willmar Wye project earns environmental sign off from FRA, FHWA
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Federal Highway Administration have signed the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) document for the Willmar Rail Connector and Industrial Park Access Project (Willmar Wye).
Canada introduces legislation to mandate inward-facing cameras; enhance shipper rights
The government of Canada proposed legislation aimed at providing air passengers more protection and choice and improving the nation’s freight rail system through investment and safety measures.