By Ron Thaniel
March 5, 2007

On February 15, 2007, Amtrak’s President and CEO Alexander K. Kummant sent to Congress the railroad’s FY2008 Grant and Legislative Request of $1.53 billion. Stating “as highway and airport congestion mounts, gas prices remain volatile, and the public becomes increasingly concerned with the environmental impact of automobile emissions, many travelers continue to look for alternatives,” Kummant said.

Intercity rail is increasingly becoming an attractive option for travelers. In 2006, a record 24.3 million riders used Amtrak — a jump of 11 percent. Early 2007 trends suggest similar strength, with ridership up 4 percent and ticket revenues up 10 percent in the first quarter over the same period last year.

While Amtrak believes an increasing share of federal rail funds should go directly to states on a “matching” grant basis for use in corridor development, there is a core level of investment in Amtrak that is needed to provide the foundation for growth. That core level of investment is $1.53 billion. In addition, Amtrak is urging Congress to provide $150 million in matching investment funds to states and communities for corridor development ($100 million) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance at stations ($50 million).

As far as the national system, Kummant told mayors at an introductory meeting last month during the Conference’s 75th Winter Meeting, that a national long-distance routes should continue to be part of the fabric of a future rail network.

In discussions with your Senators, continue to express support for S. 294, the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2007 introduced in January by Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey and Senator Trent Lott of Mississippi. The legislation will authorize $19.2 billion in federal funds for Amtrak and states by authorizing $3.2 billion per year for six years. For more information on this bill, go to the Conference's website at usmayors.org.

In discussions with your Representatives, urge strong support for reauthorizing Amtrak with S. 294 being the baseline.