Baker names VP and National Rail and Transit Lead

Michael Baker Jr., Inc., a unit of Michael Baker Corporation, hired David Wilcock, P.E., as vice president and national practice leader rail & transit (R&T). In this position, Wilcock will provide leadership in all aspects of operations and business development for Baker’s R&T practice nationwide.

Parks Canada, CP receive research grants to protect Banff bears

Research grants were awarded to teams to further mitigate rail-related grizzly bear mortality in Banff and Yoho national parks in Canada. Projects will be supported by robust monitoring to determine effectiveness and begin in spring 2012, pending approval of animal care protocols.

HART Board picks finalist for CEO position

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s board of directors selected Daniel Grabauskas, chairman and senior strategic adviser of the Bronner Center for Transportation Management and former general manager of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, as the finalist for the agency’s chief executive officer position.

FTA administrator tours DART Green Line

Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff on February 23 visited three stations along the 28-mile Dallas Area Rapid Transit Green Line light-rail expansion project in Dallas, Texas, to see firsthand the economic development resulting from the federal government’s investments in the region.

Watco adds to management team

Aaron Coester has been named vice president, informa¬tion technology of Watco Companies, LLC. His responsibilities will include overseeing information technol¬ogy software and services related to RMI, WATSS and SAP.

TriMet now producing solar energy at South Terminus

TriMet in Portland, Ore., has a solar project at the South Terminus of the MAX Green and Yellow lines at SW Jackson Street that is now operational. Located near Portland State University, it’s the largest solar project in downtown Portland and a first for the MAX light-rail system.

CTA targets waste to save millions

The Chicago Transit Authority’s President Forrest Claypool exposed millions in waste at CTA supply warehouses, while unveiling a host of improvements to the agency’s system for managing parts and materials; each designed to reduce costs, increase oversight and improve operations.

Unitrac awarded WMATA order

Unitrac Railroad Materials, Inc., received a three year contract to supply special trackwork to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The amount of manufactured trackwork that will be provided by Unitrac under this contract is valued at approximately $8 million over the next three years.