U.S. Reps. Ruppersberger, Pence talk short-line tax credit with rail suppliers

U.S. Reps. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.) and Greg Pence (R-Ind.) visited rail-industry suppliers this week to discuss transportation infrastructure and legislation that calls for reviving the short-line tax credit.

On Sept. 30, Ruppersberger visited Oldcastle Infrastructure's plant in Edgewood, Maryland. The company manufactures premium precast concrete crossing and track support systems. The company's rail crossings are engineered for freight-, commuter- and light-rail applications.

The Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA), of which Oldcastle is a member, coordinated the visit.

Oldcastle and companies like it demonstrate that "investment in infrastructure — especially freight movement — is the best way to keep people and products on the move, create jobs and strengthen the economy," Ruppersberger said in a press release.

The congressman, who serves on the House Appropriations Committee, said he supports the bipartisan Building Rail Access for Customers and the Economy (BRACE) Act, which would make the 45G short-line tax credit permanent.

Created in 2005, the tax credit expired at 2017’s end. The measure allows a credit of 50 cents for each dollar railroads invest in track and bridge improvements, capped at $3,500 per mile. The credit has spurred $4 billion in infrastructure investment since 2005, according to the American Short Line and Regional Railroads Association.

Making the tax credit permanent is a "no-brainer," Ruppersberger said.

Meanwhile, Pence yesterday visited Midwest Mole's headquarters in Greenfield, Indiana, to meet with company leaders, employees and rail industry representatives. Pence is a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and its railroads subcommittee. REMSA coordinated Pence's visit.

"We enjoyed a great discussion centered around priorities that will make our economy even stronger," such as the BRACE Act and U.S. Mexico-Canada Agreement, Pence said.

Midwest Mole specializes in railroad construction services, shaft installations, hydro-excavations, heavy transportation and open cut services.