advertisement

---

In mid-June, Allan Rutter's nearly three-year tenure as Federal Railroad Administrator will end. On Friday, he announced he's resigning to join the North Texas Tollway Authority as deputy executive director.

A native Texan, Rutter was nominated as administrator by President George W. Bush in May 2001 and confirmed by the Senate in July 2001. He previously served the state of Texas and then-Gov. Bush as transportation policy director.

"It was a difficult decision, but ultimately it is what is best for my family," said Rutter in a prepared statement. "The opportunity to serve President Bush as FRA Administrator has been truly an honor and a privilege, and one of the great experiences of my life."

During Rutter's tenure, the Federal Railroad Administration has recorded fewer grade-crossing fatalities and a lower train accident/incident rate, and instituted a locomotive train-horn rule and processor-based train-control system standards. He also has helped improve management of Amtrak's federal appropriations through the use of grant agreements and assisted the Bush Administration in developing a policy designed to reform the nation's intercity passenger-rail system.

"Under [Rutter's] watch, the FRA made significant improvements in the safety of our nation's railroads," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta. "Allan also … helped lead the way in introducing the most comprehensive rail reform proposal ever delivered to Congress."

Rutter has benefited the , too, helping find innovative ways to benefit the freight-rail industry, shippers and the public, said STB Chairman Roger Nober.

"Allan has been both a colleague and friend for the past three years, and I wish him well in his new endeavor," he said.

After Rutter departs, Deputy FRA Administrator Betty Monro will become administrator, says FRA spokesman Steve Kolm.