Railroads Applaud Senate Commerce Committee’s Bipartisan Reauthorization Vote

WASHINGTON, D.C. - June 16, 2021 - Today, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation voted on a bipartisan basis to advance the Surface Transportation Investment Act, which authorizes $78 billion over five years to modernize surface transportation infrastructure and enhance safety.

'Railroads applaud the committee for its leadership and bipartisan commitment to strengthening our nation's infrastructure,' said AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies. 'By staying focused on vital funding needs and safety, the committee was able to build consensus on a package that makes a solid down payment on our future surface transportation needs. AAR and our member railroads thank the committee for its tireless work and stand ready to help push the bill across the finish line.'

Specific to the rail sector, the Surface Transportation Investment Act would invest $7.5 billion in rail safety and improvement projects, including the establishment of a new grant program to eliminate grade crossings. The bill would also increase funding for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) grant program, which provide essential support to short line and passenger railroads as well as state departments of transportation. Additionally, the bill authorizes more than $25 billion over five years for intercity passenger rail, provides funding to address Northeast Corridor (NEC) maintenance backlogs and enhances the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program (RRIF).

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For more information contact: AAR Media Relations at [email protected] or 202-639-2345.

About AAR: The Association of American Railroads (AAR) is the world's leading railroad policy, research and technology organization focusing on the safety and productivity of rail carriers. AAR members include the major freight railroads of the U.S., Canada and Mexico, as well as Amtrak. Learn more at www.aar.org.

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