WASHINGTON — Amtrak said it “applauds the U.S. Department of Transportation for once again recognizing the importance of intercity passenger rail as a vital component of this nation’s transportation system.”
“Routes served by Amtrak will be among the beneficiaries of the state and locally sponsored passenger rail improvement projects selected to receive Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants,” the railroad said in a statement. “In particular, grants for projects aimed at reducing or eliminating rail congestion choke points in Chicago will support Amtrak on-time performance and station improvements in New York City, Normal, Ill., and St. Paul, Minn., will enhance the passenger experience.
Amtrak contends the projects “will have immediate benefits for Amtrak operations and lay the groundwork for future improvements to the national intercity passenger rail network.”
