Statement of Richard Harnish, executive director of the Midwest High Speed Rail Association (MHSRA), in response to the Senate dropping it’s Railroad Reform Bill on June 18.
Today, Senator Roger Wicker, (R- MS) introduced the Railroad Reform, Enhancement, and Efficiency Act. This bill would reauthorize Amtrak and other railroad programs. It proposes higher spending levels than the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2105 recently passed in the House. The RREEA would authorize $1.8 billion for Amtrak passenger rail grants in FY2016, increasing these levels to $2.8 billion in FY2019. Competitive infrastructure grants would be authorized at $350 million FY2016, increasing to $900 million in FY2019
Unlike the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act recently passed by the House, this is a forward looking bill. It creates the structure for a growing passenger rail network throughout the country. We are happy with the increase in funding, but much more is required to meet the goals of the bill.
Most importantly this bill would reorganize Amtrak’s board of directors to ensure regional representation, giving more voice to regions outside the NE Corridor.
It would also begin to address the issues surrounding running faster, more frequent and more dependable trains on freight railroads.
This bill is a win for passenger rail advocates across the country.
