January 30, 2012 — The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced Timothy H. Hoeffner as director of the newly created Office of Rail. He has more than 30 years of experience at MDOT. He also is Gov. Snyder’s representative on the Midwest Intercity Passenger Rail Commission, where he serves as vice chair.

Hoeffner has had many assignments at MDOT, including manager, Freight Safety and Services Division; manager, Rail Passenger Services Division; and administrator, Intermodal Policy Division, where he served as policy advisor on critical transportation issues, and analyzed and monitored federal and state legislation. He is a licensed professional engineer, with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Michigan Technological University .

Hoeffner and his wife, Rosaria, reside in Williamston and have three children.

The Office of Rail will have overall responsibility for rail-related activities at MDOT, including the department’s relationship with the rail industry, rail economic development, regulatory activities associated with grade crossings and rail clearances, funding for grade crossings, and railroad engineering, as well as passenger and freight operations.

###