New Reauthorization Bill Doubles Funds to Cash-Starved Railroad

With more riders flocking to Amtrak, the nation’s passenger railroad is poised to get an infusion of cash as well.

In early October, Congress passed a reauthorization bill that would give Amtrak nearly double the subsistence budget it has limped along on in recent years. It is the first reauthorization since 1997.

Rep. James Oberstar, Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, said the railroad has had a dozen years of “just barely survival budgets,” including two years in which the Bush Administration asked for a zero appropriation.

The White House announced on October 16 that President Bush signed the Amtrak reauthorization and companion rail safety legislation. A separate bill is needed to actually appropriate the money for Amtrak.

Rail labor generally applauded the long-overdue reauthorization, but is critical of some of its failings, most notably a lack of labor protections. TWU Rail Division Director Gary Maslanka said labor was also disappointed that certification for Carmen and Onboard Service Workers didn’t make it to the final bill.

The passenger rail legislation authorizes $13.1 billion in fiscal years 2009-2013, including $5.3 billion for capital grants to Amtrak, $2.9 billion for operating grants and $1.4 billion to retire debt.

The bill also authorizes $1.5 billion over the five years for grants to states and/or Amtrak to develop high-speed rail lines and requires a plan to restore Northeast corridor infrastructure to good repair.

Among various safety provisions, the bill will require positive train control technology by 2015 on major stretches of track that carry both passengers and freight cargo that could create toxic gases in an accident. The technology can sense an impending collision and stop the train.

Maslanka praised some of the other safety provisions, including an increase in the number of rail safety inspectors. He also said railroads would no longer be able to delay first aid treatment to workers and that the legislation sets minimum training standards.

Maslanka is also hopeful that a utilization study of maintenance and repair facilities will be a steppingstone to insourcing additional work.