SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pacific Imperial Railroad, the only company providing railroad freight services on the Desert Line servicing the Tijuana-Tecate region of Baja California, Mexico and eastern San Diego County through its 99-year lease with the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), announced today changes to its Senior Management Team. Donald Stoecklein has chosen to retire as President to focus on his family and other ventures.
Mr. Stoecklein stated, “It has been my pleasure to lead this company since its inception. I have enjoyed working with MTS and the team to put this company in a position where it can capitalize on its very unique opportunity. I look forward to continuing my involvement as a shareholder and supporting the team.”
Pacific Imperial Railroad (PIR) has been working with JL Patterson on completing the necessary engineering and construction plans to continue its work to upgrade the line to the highest industry standards. They have also been meeting with Executives with significant railroad construction and operations experience. Ernie Dahlman, CEO of Pacific Imperial Railroad, stated, “Donald has worked tirelessly to put us in the position we are today. His hard work has helped create this opportunity, and it is our job to realize his vision of servicing the cross border commerce and trade in the most efficient, cost effective and safest way that we can. As we transform into an operational company, hiring an experienced rail operational management team is imperative to our success.”
ABOUT PACIFIC IMPERIAL RAILROAD, INC.
PIR signed a 99-year lease with San Diego and Arizona Eastern Railway Company (SD&AE) and San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) in December 2012. Upon completion of the planned reconstruction, PIR will be the only company providing railroad freight services on the Desert Line, servicing the Tijuana-Tecate region of Baja California, Mexico and eastern San Diego County. In total, the railway system, including the 70 miles of the Desert Line, is approximately 130 miles long, consisting of track incorporating over 57 bridges and 22 tunnels. The rail line joins BNSF and San Diego and Imperial Valley railroads at the southwesterly tip of San Diego County, USA with the UP Line from El Centro, California. It is the only rail line that runs directly adjacent to approximately 755 manufacturing facilities (known as maquiladoras), or the Maquilatropolis®, which is approximately 14 miles south of the U.S.- Mexico border.