OneRail Statement On President Obama’s FY 2012 State of the Union Speech

By Anne Canby, Co-founder, OneRail Coalition

We applaud President Obama's recognition that investment in transportation infrastructure is critical to securing a strong economic future for America.  His ambitious goals of providing 80 percent of Americans access to high-speed & intercity rail within 25 years and the doubling of exports will connect businesses to the global marketplace and create good American jobs.

Rail can play a bigger role in reducing both energy use and the federal deficit.  History has shown us that public investment in rail infrastructure leverages and attracts private investment and can reduce the long term public burden operating and maintaining infrastructure.

Rail, with its 300,000 plus American jobs; its multiplier effect of 4.5 jobs created for every rail related job; its manufacturing facilities across the country; record Amtrak ridership last year; and its track record of nearly $500 billion over the last 30 years invested by private freight railroads in critical infrastructure programs is a perfect illustration of President Obama's recognition of the vital role private investment plays in contributing to a strong national infrastructure.