CDOT names new director for Front Range Passenger Rail Commission

DENVER—The Southwest Chief and Front Range Passenger Rail Commission has selected Randy Grauberger as its first project director.

Created by legislation in 2017, theCommission is charged with developing Front Range Passenger Rail service, overseeing its planning, public outreach, implementation strategies and related activities. It also is directed to work with Amtrak, the Burlington North Santa Fe Railway, and the states of Kansas and New Mexico to ensure the continuation of Amtrak's existing Southwest Chief service through Southeast Colorado. 

"Front Range passenger rail service is vital for the future mobility of the state's rapidly growing population," Grauberger said. "Integrating Front Range passenger rail service into the state's transportation system will be good not only for providing another mode of travel for residents and visitors alike but also for economic vitality. I'm very enthusiastic about this opportunity."

Prior to his new role, Grauberger served as senior transportation planning manager at the engineering firm WSP. He also was employed at CDOT for more than 28 years, serving in a number of planning positions, including as a branch manager in the Division of Transportation Development. 

"Randy's extensive background and experience in rail planning, both in the public and private sectors, make him very well-qualified to become the project director of the Commission," said Rail Commission Chairwoman Jill Gaebler. "His knowledge and ability to coordinate with the sheer number of stakeholders and constituencies that are required for this position are unmatched."

The Commission's initial budget is $2.5 million, and its efforts will be closely coordinated with complementary measures by CDOT to enhance transportation options along the I-25 corridor.

"Getting ahead of the immense population growth and development along the Front Range is a key priority for CDOT," said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. "We need to put clear options on the table through a real-time collaboration between CDOT and the Commission."

Grauberger received a bachelor of science degree from the Colorado School of Mines in Golden.