Foxx confirmed as new DOT Secretary

The Senate unanimously confirmed former Charlotte, N.C. Mayor Anthony Foxx as the new Secretary of Transportation Thursday, June 27, 2013, succeeding Ray LaHood.

“On behalf of the nation’s railroads, I would like to welcome Secretary Anthony Foxx to his new position at the Department of Transportation. As mayor of Charlotte, Mr. Foxx established a record that strengthened the transportation sector, and demonstrated his understanding that the nation needs a strong transportation network to create jobs. We look forward to working with him and ensuring America’s freight rail network remains the best in the world,” said AAR President and CEO Edward R. Hamberger.

“Through his advancement of the Charlotte Regional Intermodal Facility, the Southeast High Speed Rail corridor linking Charlotte to Raleigh, Richmond, and Washington, DC, the Charlotte streetcar project, and the LYNX Blue Line light rail system via the Charlotte Metropolitan Transit Commission and the 2030 Transit Corridor System Plan, Secretary Foxx demonstrated an understanding of the crucial role that transportation plays in the economic vitality of this country, and particularly the critical role that both freight and passenger rail play as part of our multi-modal transportation system, said Ann Canby, director of the OneRail Coalition.

Said Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD) President Edward Wytkind, 
”On behalf of the nation’s transportation workers, I congratulate Anthony Foxx on his confirmation by the Senate as the next U.S. Secretary of Transportation. Secretary Foxx is a skilled and respected leader who understands that America’s economy cannot thrive without a world-class transportation system and workforce.”

Foxx, nominated last April for the cabinet position, will become a member of Amtrak’s board of directors, as provided by statute.

“Amtrak congratulates Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx on his confirmation today by the U.S. Senate,” said Amtrak Chairman Tony Coscia and President and CEO Joe Boardman in a joint statement. “He will play a pivotal role in providing critical federal investments for advancing intercity and high speed passenger rail projects that enhance service, improve reliability, expand capacity, reduce trip-times, and increase speeds. We also welcome Secretary Foxx to the Amtrak board of directors where he will help shape the future of America’s Railroad and further improve our record-breaking financial and operational performance. As a former mayor of Charlotte, N.C., an Amtrak-served community, we believe Secretary Foxx understands that intercity passenger rail is a vital and necessary part of the national transportation network and provides mobility, connectivity, and economic development across America in rural communities, small and medium sized towns, and major cities. The Amtrak family welcomes Secretary Foxx aboard and we look forward to working with him to deliver more and better intercity and high speed passenger rail service to the nation.”