Rail industry urges Obama to include freight train component in stimulus plan

“Maximizing our rail system for intercity and commuter passengers and freight will create American jobs and boost economic growth, enhance mobility, increase energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gases and improve quality of life for all Americans,” the letter stated.

The Trucker News Services

12/31/2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Noting “the enormous environmental and economic benefits of freight rail,” representatives from the railroad industry and various environmental organizations have signed a joint letter to President-elect Barack Obama urging inclusion of a freight rail component in any stimulus and economic recovery legislation.

“Maximizing our rail system for intercity and commuter passengers and freight will create American jobs and boost economic growth, enhance mobility, increase energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gases and improve quality of life for all Americans,” the letter stated.

“Your stimulus and economic recovery legislation should specifically include rail as part of the transportation proposal. We encourage you to enable states and localities to invest in mobility projects that not only create jobs, but secure our energy independence and confront climate change.”

The letter was signed by the following organizations: Amtrak, States for Passenger Rail Coalition, Surface Transportation Policy Project, AASHTO Standing Committee on Rail Transportation, Association of American Railroads, Natural Resources Defense Council, Railway Supply Institute and American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.