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June 2023
Railroad contractors and suppliers are in the business of building connections. Our work to construct and supply railroads and mass transit lines makes millions of freight and passenger connections possible every day. These connections drive our economy and keep it strong domestically and worldwide.
In April, the NRC focused on building another type of connection that we anticipate will generate similar economic advantages. Members of the NRC’s Policy & Legislative (PLC) Committee met on Capitol Hill with members and staff assigned to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials.
The meetings were all about building connections, said PLC Committee Chairman Kevin Hicks, who also serves as senior vice president and freight market sector leader with TranSystems.
“The primary objective was to cultivate relationships with members of Congress so we can have ongoing dialogue about important rail-related issues,” he said. “The lawmakers we met with demonstrated an understanding of and appreciation for the rail industry. But they were eager to learn more and to exchange ideas with professionals who have firsthand experiences. Everyone from the PLC Committee who participated found that their perspectives really resonated with the members of Congress.”
Our discussions were substantive and focused on safety and other pivotal issues impacting the rail industry. We talked about key NRC legislative priorities, such as a balanced freight-rail regulatory framework, infrastructure investment, truck size and weight limits, THUD appropriations accounts, and environmental policy and streamlining.
The lawmakers wanted to dive deeper into other timely issues directly related to legislative actions and policy issues. We discussed the implications of automated track inspections, permitting reform, and opportunities for contracting out work on projects funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. We also addressed fully funding rail programs and hiring/workforce development issues.
Matt Ginsberg, president of NRC’s government affairs firm, TGA Association Management Solutions, championed the meetings. He acknowledged the timing was right due to the large turnover in Congress and the need to generate greater awareness about the rail industry.
“We’ve seen a significant turnover in key committee leadership and composition and almost 150 new members of Congress,” he said. “It was perfect timing to build relationships so members of Congress and their staff better understand the rail industry and its impact on the U.S. economy and in their districts, in particular.”
Contractors and suppliers have an important story to share — about our work in the industry as well as our innovations that propel safety and productivity improvements. This event and grassroots events at member facilities and project sites are tremendous opportunities to share your story and build connections with your elected officials, their staff members and with other leaders in our industry. Those relationships will serve your organization well and cumulatively benefit the freight-rail industry.
The NRC will provide more opportunities to advocate on behalf of our industry. Find out more about grassroots events — contact Michael McGonagle, NRC’s vice president of government affairs and operations.
“Building a Safer and Stronger Railway Construction Industry Together!”
Steve Bolte, NRC chairman The National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association Inc.80 M Street, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20003202-715-2920nrcma.org • info@nrcma.org
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