Morial: National Rail Defense Act Amtrak's letter to the mayors Memo from the Executive Director Mayor Morial Addresses Senate Committee in support of The National Defense Rail Act Read the measure's summary and status. Letter to Amtrak Mayors' Network (2/27/02) Morial Statement (2/1/02) Mayors Demonstrate Support for Amtrak Letter to Congressman Nussle & Senator Conrad. Letter to Congress & President.

"Today, Amtrak notified the nation's mayors that, due to uncertainties associated with the legislative process, it must prepare for the possibility of discontinuing 18 long distance routes and other programs this fall if it does not receive a federal appropriation of $1.2 billion for FY 2003.

"Though there is not a single passenger rail system in the world that operates without a subsidy, some in Congress expect Amtrak to run free of operating subsidies by 2003. This does not make any sense.

"Mayors across the country from both political parties recognize that our national security and our national economy depend on an effective, multi-faceted system of transportation. That's why the U.S. Conference of Mayors strongly supports Amtrak's funding request and will continue to work toward building an even stronger national passenger rail system."

Contact:
Lina Garcia, (202) 861-6719

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