Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph F. Marie has been named chairman of the Standing Committee on Public Transportation, one of the key committees under the umbrella of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

          The appointment was announced jointly by AASHTO Executive Director John Horsley and President Allen D. Biehler, who is also Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

          “This appointment is especially timely as federal stimulus funds make their way to the states, as Congress gears up for debate on the federal transportation reauthorization bill and as Connecticut sharpens its focus on regional public transportation solutions,” Commissioner Marie said, noting the purchase of new rail cars for the Connecticut-New York commuter corridor and the planned Hartford-New Haven-Springfield commuter rail line.

          “The Standing Committee on Public Transportation at AASHTO develops all major standards and recommends policies for public transportation programs, urban and rural mass transit, commuter rail, intercity bus, ridesharing, paratransit and specialized transit facilities for the elderly and handicapped,” Horsley said.

          Governor M. Jodi Rell, who has championed public transportation as the best way to reduce congestion on Connecticut highways, congratulated Commissioner Marie on the appointment.

          “In his brief tenure here, Commissioner Marie has proven himself to be an innovative, solution-oriented administrator and I am confident his leadership in Connecticut will translate seamlessly to the national level through AASHTO,” the Governor said.

          Joe Marie was appointed commissioner of the Connecticut DOT last April by Governor Rell.

          AASHTO, based in Washington, is composed of the directors of the various state Departments of Transportation and is a key voice in Washington in shaping state and federal transportation issues.