Letter to Congress regarding Amtrak funding in the Senate Budget Resolution

April 4, 2002

The Honorable Kent Conrad, Chairman
Senate Budget Committee
530 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

RE: S.Con.Res. 100 - Amtrak funding

Dear Chairman Conrad:

On behalf of the National Conference of State Legislatures' (NCSL) Rail Working Group, I write to express NCSL's support of the provision in S.Con.Res. 100 that provides $1.2 billion in federal Amtrak funding in FY2003. Over the past few decades, the lack of substantial investment in the needs of passenger rail infrastructure and Amtrak has weakened the nation's passenger rail network. It has also caused strain on the capacity of other modes of transportation in many areas of the country. Since September 11^th, the nation has come to better understand the importance of providing alternative transportation services for passengers. Rail has suffered from inadequate federal funding in the past and requires strong and immediate congressional support.

The authorized $1.2 billion in Amtrak funding included in Sen.Con.Res. 100 falls between the Amtrak's estimated annual capital needs of $1 billion and $1.5 billion. In large part, these needs are inherent to the underlying rail infrastructure. NCSL strongly urges Congress to fully fund Amtrak at the requested FY2003 level of $1.2 billion. Providing this funding would be a first of several steps that should be taken to bolster the nation's passenger and rail systems.

Thank you for consideration of NCSL's concerns. Please have your staff contact Eileen Doherty (202-624-8687) or Laurie Holmes (202-624-8695) in NCSL's Washington, D.C. office for further assistance.

Sincerely,

Joan Bray
Missouri State Senator
Chair, NCSL Rail Working Group