Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the reappointment of Lieutenant Governor Carol Molnau and John Eckerman to the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission. Both members, who were originally appointed in 2003, are reappointed to four-year terms that expire on January 3, 2011.

Molnau is the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Transportation and serves as the Governor’s designee on the commission.

Eckerman, of Rochester, is the vice president of government affairs for the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce. Eckerman serves as a private sector member of the commission.

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.