October 2020 – Page 2 – Railfanning.org

Amtrak Says it Needs Billions for the Northeast Corridor

October 12, 2020 The Center Square

Amtrak wants more than $1.7 billion in federal tax dollars for the Northeast Corridor, William J. Flynn, Amtrak’s president & CEO, said in a letter to congressional leaders.

Analysis: Staggers Rail Act Enabled Rail to Thrive Even During Crisis

October 10, 2020 The Center Square

October 14, 2020, marks the 40th anniversary of the enactment of the Staggers Rail Act signed by former President Jimmy Carter. The bipartisan legislation primarily deregulated the freight rail sector, which was on the brink of collapse in the 1970s.

Feds Plan $6.6 Million Campaign to Save Lives at Railroad Crossings

October 9, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

The Stop. Trains Can’t. campaign will run on radio, digital, and social media, educating drivers not to gamble with their lives at rail grade crossings.

Trump Issues Presidential Border Crossing Permit for Alaska-Alberta Rail

October 8, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

President Donald Trump issued a Presidential Border Crossing Permit for the Alaska-Alberta Railway Corporation, a crucial step for the $17 billion project.

Amtrak: Service, Staffing Reductions Possible Without More Tax Dollars

October 8, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

Following a conversation with Congress about what it says is its federal funding needs for the 2021 fiscal year, Amtrak submitted a letter to Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi formalizing an ongoing request for up to nearly $4.9 billion this fiscal year for Amtrak and its partners.

A N.J. Transit train departs from Montvale, N.J. on Feb. 10, 2016.

FTA Announces $9.1 Million for 10 projects in Nine States

October 8, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

The money, through the Safety Research and Demonstration and the Bus Operator Compartment programs, supports safety and innovation in the transit industry.

FTA Announces $8.5 Million in Funding for 25 Projects in 17 States

October 7, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced 25 projects in 17 states will receive a share of approximately $8.5 million in funding through the Helping Obtain Prosperity for Everyone (HOPE) program.

FRA Sending More Than $1.2 Million for Two Alaska Rail Projects

October 6, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is sending more than $1.2 million in grant funding for a pair of Alaska rail projects.

Feds Allocate $5.6 Million for Rail Capital Projects in South Dakota

October 2, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has selected three projects in South Dakota to receive $5.6 million from the Special Transportation Circumstances (STC) Grants made available by the Consolidated Appropriations Acts of 2019 and 2020.

Feds Approve $32 Million for Amtrak Expansion in Wisconsin, State to Match $6.2 Million

October 2, 2020 The Center Square

The federal government is willing to cover most of the cost to expand Amtrak service from Chicago to Minnesota, but Wisconsin has to pay its share.