Michigan DOT names Anastor state rail director

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced Peter Anastor will become director of the department's Office of Rail, effective Jan. 25.

Anastor will oversee the Office of Rail, which works to ensure that the state's rail system meets the economic needs of the state and is safe for the motoring public, rail passengers and railroad employees. His responsibilities will include oversight of intercity passenger rail operations, grade crossing funding programs, rail grade separations, safety of light-rail systems, state-owned rail line management, rail-related economic development programs and international border crossings, MDOT officials said in a press release.

Anastor currently works with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). He began his career at the State Budget Office in 1995. Later, Anastor moved to the Michigan Economic Development Corp., where he played a significant role in the state's logistic and supply chain strategy and creation of the Logistics and Supply Chain Commission. Those efforts included working with infrastructure partners, including Class Is and short lines, to identify Michigan's logistics and supply chain assets to further economic development opportunities in the state.

In 2015, Anastor moved to the MDARD to focus on promoting and assisting the growth of food and agriculture companies, including transportation issues and solutions.

"I look forward to continuing the work MDOT is doing in enhancing our passenger-rail infrastructure, development freight economic opportunities and improving grade crossing safety," said Anastor. "I want to continue to build on my experience and hope to further grow and foster important relationships with private industry, Amtrak, communities and other valued stakeholders."