Rail Action Alert June 25, 2002

AFI Energy and Transportation Committee

Rail Action Alert

An Information Service of the NCSL Rail Working Group
June 25, 2002

THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION'S PROPOSAL FOR A LONG-TERM PLAN
FOR AMTRAK LEAVES STATES HOLDING THE BAG!

ON THE OTHER HAND, S.1991 WOULD PROVIDE STATES WITH FEDERAL
FUNDING FOR RAIL. S.1991 NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR STATE'S SENATORS AND URGE THEM TO
VOTE FOR CLOTURE ON S.1991 AND TO BECOME A CO-SPONSOR OF THE LEGISLATION.

A list of Senators is attached to assist you in your calls.

Here's some background:

Amtrak is threatening to begin shutting down service as early as this week because it is running out of cash. In light of Amtrak's fiscal concerns, the Administration unveiled its long-term plan for Amtrak. Among a number of changes, the plan would require states to cover all operating costs of rail service. The federal government would continue to pay some capital costs of passenger train service. Also, the administration announced it will work with the National Governors' Association and Amtrak to build partnerships with the states. The National Conference of State Legislatures and its members have not been invited to participate in this effort.

One congressional bill is far more beneficial to state interests in passenger rail. S.1991, sponsored by Senator Ernest F. Hollings, D-SC, would establish a national rail passenger transportation system, reauthorize Amtrak and improve security and service on Amtrak. S.1991 will likely reach a floor vote in the next one-to-two weeks. Specifically, the bill would:

Authorize $1.5 billion annually for five years for development of new high-speed rail corridors (Eligible corridors exist in and through: CA, IL, MI, MN WI, KC, MO, KY, IN, OH, NY FL, TX, LA, MS, AL, GA, PA, DC, MD, DE, CT, RI, NJ, MA, ME, NH, VT, OR, WA, AR, OK, VA, NC, SC, NV)

Authorize $1.31 billion for repairs, maintenance, and growth on the Northeast Corridor
Authorize $580 million annually for Amtrak's long-distance train service
Authorize $270 million annually for Amtrak's short-distance and state-supported routes, including infrastructure upgrades to support higher speed services
Require greater accountability for funds administered through Amtrak
Authorize Amtrak's security needs

The federal funding proposed in S.1991 would be grant funding to the states for the development of high-speed rail corridors and for the improvements made to long- and short-distance routes.

With questions or concerns, please contact Eileen Doherty, NCSL Committee Director, Energy and Transportation at (202) 624-8687, eileen.doherty@ncsl.org or

Laurie Holmes, Committee Assistant at (202) 624-8695, laurie.holmes@ncsl.org