Friends,
Congress appears to be like the weather in Colorado, i.e., wait a little
while and something will come along that you will really like. Such is the
case with federal legislation and passenger rail. The National Association
of Railroad Passengers (NARP) reports that, Sen. Ernest Hollings
(D-SC), Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, re-introduced a bill which, if
funded, would "restore a nationwide Amtrak to financial health, address
capital backlogs on the Northeast Corridor, and allow for service growth,
particularly on high speed rail corridors."
The National Defense Rail Act (S.104) appropriates $1.5 billion over a five
year period (2004-2009) for high speed rail corridor development outside of
the Northeast Corridor. Beginning in 2004, $1.31 billion is appropriated
annually for the Northeast Corridor for infrastructure, equipment, and
stations and facilities. Funds are also appropriated for railroad retirement
payments, Amtrak debt payments, conformity to the American with Disabilities
Act, and environmental compliance.
The Act authorizes an annual total appropriation of $580 million for Amtrak's
long distance train network, $360 million of which is to be used for
operations. A one time allocation of $1.26 billion is made for railroad
security/safety needs in the Northeast Corridor (tunnels) and elsewhere on
the system.
Sen. Holling's bill addresses Amtrak/intercity passenger rail problems with
real federal dollars (not tax incentives, bonding authority, reorganization,
etc.) and in doing so, faces up to the fact that the federal government must
make a serious financial commitment if intercity rail is to survive and grow
in this country. There will obviously be many detractors, however this is
the first bill of this congressional session that seriously, realistically,
and unapologetically deals with the need and establishes a clear statement of
federal support for a national passenger rail system. I believe it deserves
our strong and enthusiastic support.
Unfortunately, Sens. Wayne Allard and Ben
Nighthorse Campbell are not supporters of the bill. If you believe that this bill
deserves your support, would you please call their local or Washington, DC,
offices and let them know. Be sure to tell them your name and address, the
name and number of the bill, and a sentence or two as to why you support the
legislation. Ask them to ask the senator to review the bill and to
co-sponsor it. I have done this many times on other occasions and find
congressional office staff to be very receptive and interested in constituent
opinion. Letters to the senators, of course, would also be very helpful at
this time.
Sen. Allard: (303) 220-7414 for Metro Denver, (202) 224-5941 Washington, DC
office.
Sen. Campbell (303) 843-4100 Metro Denver, (202) 224-5852 Washington, DC
office.
If you live outside the (303) calling area, please check your local phone
directory for the phone number of the senate office near you.
Letters should be addressed:
The Honorable __________________
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Many thanks for you support,
Jon Esty, President
ColoRail
Alert!
Support Needed for Rail Bill: