Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Lieutenant Governor Carol Molnau and John Eckerman to the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission. Both are appointed to four-year terms that expire on January 1, 2007.

Molnau, the Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota, is also the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Transportation and will serve as the Governor's designee on the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission.

Eckerman, of Rochester, is the director of government affairs for the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce. Eckerman replaces James Talen as a member of the private sector.

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.