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4/1/2021
President Joe Biden yesterday formally unveiled his American Jobs Plan and infrastructure proposal, which calls for the federal government to invest billions in the nation's transportation networks, including $85 billion for transit and another $80 billion designated specifically for rail.
The federal money would expand access to Amtrak and bus service, with the aim of connecting more cities and reducing road congestion and carbon emissions.
If Congress provides the funding proposed in Biden's plan, Amtrak would be able to bring the Northeast Corridor (NEC) to a state of good repair and improve trip times, and expand Amtrak service to under-served communities across the country, Amtrak officials said in a press release.
Amtrak responded to Biden's proposal by laying out its own plan to expand intercity passenger-rail service to up to 160 new cities, as well as invest in its fleet and train stations.
"President Biden's infrastructure plan is what this nation has been waiting for. Amtrak must rebuild and improve the Northeast corridor, our National Network and expand our service to more of America," said Amtrak Chief Executive Officer Bill Flynn.
Amtrak's "2035 Vision" would expand or improve rail service for 20 million more riders than the 32 million the railroad served in fiscal-year 2019, railroad officials said.
Other railroad organizations also responded to Biden's proposal. Association of American Railroads (AAR) officials said they have "serious concerns" about how the president's plan will be paid for.
"President Biden's proposal makes clear his administration's priority for making these much-needed investments to restore our highways, bridges and roads, and improve our ports," said AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies in a press release. "At the same time, mission No. 1 is fueling an economic recovery. Railroads would urge the administration and Congress to abandon these divisive, unrelated funding sources and instead work toward bipartisan solutions to restore the Highway Trust Fund to a true user-pays system."
American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) officials say they look forward to working with the Biden administration and Congress "in a bipartisan way" as the proposal evolves and is considered on Capitol Hill.
"Short lines can help accomplish many of the nation's most important goals, such as economic development, jobs growth, safety and environmental sustainability, and we will look to help steer this plan in a way that recognizes and prioritizes those possibilities," said ASLRRA President Chuck Baker in a prepared statement.