Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Thomas K. Sorel to the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission.

Sorel is the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Transportation and has over 30 years of experience in transportation and highway engineering. Sorel replaces Lieutenant Governor Carol Molnau as the Governor’s designee on the commission to complete a four-year term that expires on January 3, 2011. 

The Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission is a compact of 12 Midwestern states created to promote development and implementation of improvements to intercity passenger rail, and of long range plans for high-speed rail passenger service in the Midwest and among other regions of the U.S. and coordinate interaction among Midwestern state elected officials. Membership from each state includes the Governor or the Governor’s designee; one member of the private sector appointed by the Governor; one Senator; and one member of the House of Representatives.