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Yesterday, former American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) President Bill Loftus died from complications following a cancer operation, according to the association. He was 74.

In 1989, Loftus joined the American Shortline Association, which he served as president until the association became the ASLRRA in 1998. He most recently served as a short-line industry consultant. Loftus previously served as director of legislative policy during the formation of the U.S. Department of Transportation, executive director of the Federal Railroad Administration and a member of the Amtrak Reform Council.

"Bill was a great friend to and great leader of the short-line industry," said ASLRRA President Richard Timmons in a prepared statement. "He worked tirelessly to improve our association and continued to be a passionate advocate of our cause right up until the time he became ill. He always made himself available to me when I took over the association, and I sincerely appreciate his wise counsel and advice."

ASLRRA plans to post information about funeral arrangements on its Web site at www.aslrra.org.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to HSC Pediatric Center (formerly the Hospital for Sick Children), 1731 Bunker Hill Road, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017, or So Others Might Eat (SOME), 71 O Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001.