NORTH COAST RAILROAD AUTHORITY NAMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the North Coast Railroad Authority announces the appointment of Doug Christy as Executive Director, replacing Max Bridges who will retire next year. In action at the October meeting, the Board felt that now is the appropriate time to make the change as the Authority embarks on the environmental process leading to projects that will reopen and upgrade the line along its approximate 300 miles from Humboldt County to its connection with the national railroad network at Lombard in Napa County.

Christy has held the position of Assistant Executive Director/Project Manager for the Authority since May 2001. He brought to that position significant railroad experience which will be helpful in his new position. Christy said �I welcome the challenge and look forward to helping complete the mission to reestablish rail service to the entire line�.

To his credit, Bridges provided the Authority with significant advanced notice of his retirement plan so that a smooth transition of leadership could be accomplished.  Bridges said that �Christy would be my choice as a successor and I am willing to assist in any way possible through the transition.� The board recognized Mr. Bridges significant contribution to the Authority since his appointment in 1999.  Director Hemphill stated that �I was involved in the original search for the Executive Director and Max was a perfect fit and should be praised for his hard work and accomplishments�. Chairman Ripple commented that �Max has been an asset to the Authority, enjoyable to work with and will be missed.�

Bridges will remain to aid Christy in the changeover as the Authority enters a critical phase of its mission to restore sustainable rail service to the North Coast.