Texas DOT's rail division leader Glavin to retire in late June

The Texas Department of Transportation's Rail Division Director William "Bill" Glavin has announced he will step down at the end of June, according to the Texas Rail Advocates' website and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Glavin is the state's first rail director. He was appointed to the position four years ago to help the state advance and improve passenger-rail service.

In an interview with the Star-Telegram, Glavin said he plans to retire, now that he is 60 years old and qualifies for railroad retirement. Prior to joining the department, he had decades of experience working for freight railroads.

"Since his appointment, the Rail Division has moved at lightening speed with plans and projects for both freight and passenger rail, compared to the last several decades," said Texas Rail Advocates President Peter LeCody in a statement posted on organization's website. "Glavin brought a new level of awareness to both our elected officials and the public for improving our rail system in Texas."

During Glavin's tenure, "major strides" were made in securing federal funding and advancing plans for high-speed rail service from Houston to Dallas, LeCody said.

Also, the Texas-Oklahoma Passenger Rail Study got under way; the Dallas/Fort Worth-to-Shreveport, La., passenger-rail study has advanced; funding was secured to upgrade the Heartland Flyer between Forth Worth and Oklahoma City, Okla.; and state funding was secured to upgrade the Texas-owned South Orient Railroad between Brownwood and San Angelo, he said.