Mayors Guido, Ellis to Lead Amtrak Mayor's Advisory Council
By Ron Thaniel
July 1, 2002
Dearborn Mayor Michael A. Guido and Macon Mayor C. Jack Ellis were appointed co-chairs of the Conference of Mayors Amtrak Mayor's Advisory Council during the June 20 meeting in Madison. Joining Guido and Ellis as vice chairs are Fort Worth Mayor Kenneth L. Barr and Rome Mayor Joseph A. Griffo.
Guido and Ellis focused much of the discussion on the potential shutdown of Amtrak serviced nationwide unless the President supports a $200 million loan guarantee request. In addition, the Amtrak Mayors' Advisory Council voiced support for:
The current national rail system with Amtrak as the operator,
$1.2 billion for Amtrak in FY 2003; and
Keeping $55 million for wrecked and damaged equipment in Congress' supplemental appropriation bill.
The Amtrak Mayors' Advisory Council was created to develop stronger partnerships between mayors and Amtrak. The Council raises national and local levels of awareness of the importance of intercity passenger rail as a tool for economic development, better air quality, and for road and air congestion relief.
|
