Negotiators in Congress Protect Amtrak, Slash High-Speed Rail Money
House and Senate negotiators this week agreed on a fiscal 2012 “minibus” spending bill that includes transportation.
The bill funds Amtrak at $1.42 billion and protects state-supported Amtrak routes by eliminating language passed by a House subcommittee that would have prohibited the use of federal operating funds on state-supported routes. Unfortunately the bill did not include any funding specifically for the High Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail Program. The Senate had proposed $100 million for this, the House proposed nothing. The bill is expected to pass both House and Senate this week.
Like many of you who are working hard to advance high-speed rail, we are extremely disappointed in the Appropriations Conference decision to eliminate new spending for high-speed rail. It is apparent to all that the American transportation system is not working for its users, and this action has made matters worse.
As we've stated in the past, it is time for the United States to hit the reset button and reshape and modernize our transportation infrastructure to meet the needs of the present and future. To do that, we need to move away from the mentality that is rooted in the unsustainable status quo to one that assesses and addresses new realities.
If we’re going to be serious about reclaiming our leadership, high-speed rail is an essential addition to our menu of national transportation options, and one that is frankly long overdue. It’s a proven worldwide commodity, it utilizes existing technologies, it will create thousands of American jobs, it will bolster economic growth, and it fosters cleaner travel. High-speed rail creates a release valve for travelers who rely on fast, safe and affordable mobility.
The story of high-speed rail in the U.S. is still being written. As we speak, leaders across the country are working on critical projects that will connect Washington to Boston, San Francisco to Los Angeles, and Chicago to Detroit. We will continue to pursue a long term framework that makes high-speed rail a reality.
Now we begin building the case for the FY 2013 HSIPR appropriation.
These are our funding goals for the FY 2013 HSIPR program:
1. Funding to continue aggressive planning for 220-mph rail infrastructure in the Midwest.
2. Continued funding for state rail infrastructure projects and Amtrak modernization.
3. An appropriation to Amtrak for a rolling stock order for their long distance train service.
4. In the interim, continued support for moving California high-speed rail forward and breaking ground this year is critical.
Will you continue to help us achieve these important goals in 2012 and advance high-speed rail in the United States? Please consider making a donation today or becoming a member of the Midwest High Speed Rail Association so that we can be an even stronger voice next year.