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AFI Energy and Transportation Committee

 National League of Cities
National Association of Counties
National Conference of State Legislatures
The United States Conference of Mayors
Council of State Governments
International City/County Management Association

May 7, 2002

The Honorable Patty Murray
Chairwoman
Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee
United States Senate
133 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable Richard Shelby
Ranking Member
Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee
United States Senate
133 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senators Murray and Shelby:

On behalf of the nation's state and local elected officials, we are writing to urge you to urge you to support a $1.2 billion appropriation level for Amtrak for fiscal year 2003. Without this level of funding Amtrak service will be severely impacted including the elimination of its long distance service.

As you are aware, the Administration's budget request of $521 million for FY 2003 only maintains the current level of funding and represents less than half of Amtrak's request. In light of Amtrak's current situation, we urge you to provide the necessary funding for Amtrak to ensure that we maintain a national passenger rail system.

The nation's state and local leaders believe the federal government must continue to invest in passenger rail service as a viable transportation alternative, including long distance service. Since September 11, passenger rail has become an even more integral part of out transportation system.

We understand that Congress plans to consider legislation to reauthorize Amtrak this year, and we look forward to working with you throughout that process. However, while Congress debates the future of Amtrak, this $1.2 billion appropriations request will help prevent the elimination of services and hold the current network together.

Thank you for your consideration of this very important matter. We look forward to working with you on this issue in the future.

Sincerely,

Donald J. Borut Executive Director National League of Cities	William Pound Executive Director National Conference of State Legislatures
J. Thomas Cochran Executive Director The United States Conference of Mayors	Larry E. Naake Executive Director National Association of Counties
Daniel M. Sprague Executive Director Council of State Governments	William H. Hansell, Jr. Executive Director International City/County Management Assoc.

NCSL Contacts:
Eileen Doherty
AFI Energy and Transportation Committee Director
(202) 624-8687

Laurie Holmes
AFI Energy and Transportation Committee Assistant
(202) 624-8695