Statement of Devon Barnhart, Director, OneRail Coalition
On Passage by the U.S. House of Representatives
of the
FY22 THUD Appropriations Bill
July 30, 2021
OneRail applauds House passage of the FY22 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations bill, which includes critical funding increases for our nation’s rail network. Rail is a crucial component of an efficient transportation system — allowing people and goods to move quickly and safely to their destinations, while enhancing productivity and economic competitiveness, creating good domestic jobs, and relieving highway and air congestion. The investments that the Committee made, in conjunction with supplemental resources to mitigate the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, will not only spur economic growth, but help support a more resilient and reliable national rail system.
Key provisions that support passenger and freight rail include: $625 million in funding for the new Passenger Rail Improvement, Modernization, and Expansion (PRIME) competitive grant program; a $125 million increase over FY21 funding levels for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant program; $2.7 billion for Amtrak’s National Network and Northeast Corridor; $2.5 billion for the transit Capital Investment Grant program; $5 million to support research into alternative fuels for locomotives, and $1.2 billion National Infrastructure Investment grants (RAISE).
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About OneRail
OneRail is a diverse group of stakeholders who have come together to educate America about the benefits of a strong freight and passenger rail system. Learn more at www.onerail.org; follow OneRail on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.