By Ron Thaniel
May 24, 2010

Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph C. Szabo announced on May 4 five regional workshops to develop the nation's first-ever National Rail Plan. The workshops are open to the public and mayors and other local and state elected officials are strongly urged to participate.

Section 307 of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA) requires the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration to develop a long-range National Rail Plan. “Given the unprecedented amount of funding appropriated under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for significant improvements to passenger rail and the stated intention of the Obama Administration to add to this funding in the future, this effort has major national significance,” said Szabo.

A National Rail is one of the Conference of Mayors transportation priorities and was a key recommendation originating out of the Conference's 2008 Action Forum on Infrastructure held in New York City. From that discussion, the Conference continues to lobby Congress and the Obama Administration for a well-funded and dedicated high'speed intercity passenger rail program in the pending authorization of the federal surface transportation law.

The first workshop is May 19 in Kansas City (MO) followed by Atlanta on May 20, New York City on May 26, Salt Lake City on June 3, and Portland (OR) on June 4.

For information, contact Mark Patterson at FRA. Send e-mail to mark.patterson@dot.gov or phone 202-493-1346. Updates will be posted on www.fra.dot.gov under Current Events.

“This is a critical time for America's economy and transportation system. Through the development of the NRP, we can collaborate to develop a national rail policy for the 21st century and a strategy for its successful implementation,” said Szabo.