Laura Shabe

Dynamic transportation industry strategist skilled in developing and executing complex, multi-modal capital programs involving policy, engineering, regulatory, financial, interagency, and public-facing challenges with significant regional impact. Over 30 years of public and private sector experience with a proven ability to set strategic vision, resolve politically sensitive challenges, represent agencies and programs, and secure long-term funding to drive successful project development. Exceptional in coordinating across multiple agencies, clearly communicating data, and building lasting relationships with key stakeholders to influence policy and enhance positive project outcomes.

• Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, Coachella Valley Rail Due Diligence Study, San Diego, CA (2025-2026). Business Case Lead. Working closely with LOSSAN staff, prepared for the LOSSAN Board of Directors an assessment of the benefits, risks, proposed timeline for action, organizational impacts, and governance considerations necessary to expand the management authority of the LOSSAN Agency to encompass a second intercity state-supported service. Advised LOSSAN executive staff on recommended course of action to develop the agency into the largest Joint Powers Authority for rail operations in California.
• Sound Transit, Interagency Agreements for the Delivery of Transit Projects on WSDOT Right of Way, Seattle, WA (2020-2021). Project Manager. Development and negotiation with WSDOT of three umbrella agreements for planning, design and construction, and the associated project agreements and task orders. The proposed approach would streamline and standardize interagency processes and reflect USDOT regulations and WSDOT standards. Worked closely with Sound Transit legal and executive staff to collaborate on process improvements and provide recommendations to the Board.
• WSDOT, US 2 Westbound Trestle Planning and Environmental Linkages Study (2020-2021). Project Manager. Supported WSDOT in the development and evaluation of alternatives to address aging infrastructure, capacity and multimodal constraints on heavily traveled westbound US 2 between its interchanges with SR 204 and 20th Street Southeast at Lake Stevens, WA, and with I-5 at Everett, WA. Washington. Advised WSDOT leadership on approach for sharing cost and configuration recommendations with State Senator Hobbs and worked closely with FHWA to meet new PEL guidance.
• Washington State DOT, Ultra-High-Speed-Ground Transportation, Seattle, WA. Multiple Phases (2018-2021). Rail Corridor Planning Lead. Managed the business case study and economic impact analysis, and prepared strategic planning guidance to the governance framework phases for this unique partnership between Washington, Oregon, and the province of British Columbia. Led the complex and multidisciplinary investigation of how high-speed rail could serve as a catalyst for a stronger, better connected economic megaregion. Worked closely with WSDOT rail staff to strategically prepare hypothetical alignments, station locations, ridership forecasts (with a focus on mode shift from air and automobile to rail), service plans, economic benefits including agglomeration effects, cost estimates, financing and project implementation timeline. Presented and discussed findings with Governor Inslee, Steering Committee executives including Washington Secretary of Transportation Millar, and private partners including Microsoft.
• Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, New York, NY, Cross Harbor Freight Movement Project and Environmental Impact Statement 2008-2013). Program Manager. Initiated and developed with USDOT guidance and funding and the political support of Congressman Nadler, a near and long-term program to improve freight rail access to the East of Hudson Region to reduce the dependency on trucking. Led the strategic acquisition and physical rehabilitation of the NYNJR shortline railroad and effectively planned and delivered the $125M capital plan, including track, turnouts, rail float terminals, and locomotive acquisition. Led the development of the complex and multidisciplinary $10M Cross Harbor Tier I EIS, from funding application and award, scope, consultant selection, public outreach, agency coordination, cargo forecasts, and alternatives analysis through to completion of the DEIS.
• Halifax Port Authority, Port of Halifax Master Plan, Nova Scotia, Canada (2016-2018). Deputy Project Manager, Road and Rail Access. Directed Canadian and US staff over a two-year project duration in the development of sustainable alternatives to improve rail access and capacity at the Port of Halifax and reduce the volume and impact of port-related trucks in the Halifax downtown. Collaborated with National, Provincial and City leaders to clearly outline vision and key issues facing the sustainable operation of the Port. Partnered with Canadian National Railway to develop and present regional and local rail solutions including inland port concepts and rail shuttles. Worked with and advised private companies to identify viable inland port locations and operational approaches to support capacity.
• Federal Rail Administration (FRA), NEC FUTURE, Tier I Environmental Impact Statement,
  New York, NY (2016-2017). Task Lead, Service Development Plan. Working closely with FRA and the Northeast Corridor Commission, Laura led the identification and evaluation of capital projects, service frequencies and operational improvements to improve capacity, travel times and service performance. Developed strategic recommendations to improve operational efficiencies in the near term.
• Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, New York, NY, Comprehensive Port Improvement Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (2000-2005). Coordinator. Directed a twelve-agency federal, state and local agency consortium, to prepare and complete the Port’s first comprehensive plan and port wide EIS to guide the near and long-term holistic development of eight major container terminals and associated rail and highway connections. Educated stakeholders on the economic benefits of the Port. Prepared regulatory documents and successfully led negotiations between the Authority, the US Army Corps of Engineers, FHWA and the US Environmental Protection Agency to allow the New York Harbor Deepening to move forward.

• Member, High Speed Rail and Intercity Passenger Rail Committee, APTA
• Board Member, WTS Puget Sound Chapter