In the News

SPRINGFIELD — MassDOT’s Andy Koziol will serve as west-east rail director within the Rail & Transit Division, Gov. Maura T. Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt announced Tuesday.

Koziol, with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and master’s in urban planning from Rutgers, joined Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Rail & Transit Division as director of rail & transit in June 2023 with a goal to advance passenger rail initiatives and improve transportation options across Massachusetts.

He has more than 15 years of transportation planning experience centered on implementing safe, equitable multimodal transportation, with a primary concentration on commuter rail and intercity rail planning. He previously worked for the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, according to his online resume.

The announcement follows the September announcement of $108 million in federal funding for track work between Springfield and Worcester necessary for expanded passenger rail. It’s called the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements funding, known as a CRISI grant.

U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, praised the hire:

“Since day one of her administration, Governor Healey has voiced her commitment to the West-East Rail Project. This announcement is a testament to that commitment, and I applaud Governor Healey for taking decisive action that brings us one step closer to making West-East Rail a reality. With the $108 million CRISI grant that I announced with Governor Healey at Springfield Union Station in September, the Commonwealth is well positioned to capitalize on an opportunity that will not avail itself again. Fortunately for Massachusetts, we have a Governor who is meeting the moment by taking significant steps to help bring this project to fruition. I look forward to working with Director Koziol, whose expertise will undoubtedly play a critical role in supporting our continued efforts.”

Koziol will be responsible for implementing federal grants, such as the CRISI awards received for the “Inland Route” and Springfield Union Station area improvements and lead the pursuit of additional federal resources to advance the effort to expand passenger rail service.

The Boston & Albany Corridor has also been accepted into the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor ID Program, making it eligible for as much as $500,000 in planning and research funding.

The Healey-Driscoll administration also included $12 million in the state’s capital plan to study locations for a Palmer rail station and to improve the Pittsfield passenger station.

“We have never been closer to making West-East Rail a reality, and I am pleased to see Andy take on this important role to continue building on our progress,” said Healey. “He will be a strong leader for West-East Rail and for the people of central and western Massachusetts who are eager to see this vision come to life. This rail connection will expand access to job and housing, spur economic development in our communities, and strengthen our state’s competitiveness.”

Amtrak, as a first step, will add at least two daily trains for Springfield to Boston. Amtrak also promises a 2-hour trip to Boston, relief for those used to gridlock traffic on the Massachusetts Turnpike.

“This announcement is a significant milestone. The appointment of a dedicated director for MassDOT’s Compass Rail is a pivotal step forward in our journey towards realizing West-East Rail,” said Ben Heckscher, a co-founder of the advocacy group Trains in the Valley, in a statement. “We express our gratitude to Governor Healey for her administration’s unwavering commitment and focused efforts to improve and expand passenger rail services for western Massachusetts.”