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Business North - The Daily Briefing - Business Newspaper Online
Oberstar’s AMTRAK bill may aid Duluth to Minneapolis line
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5/10/2008 |
Washington DC – Congressman Jim Oberstar introduced an Amtrak funding bill today that could help bring rail service back to Duluth. Oberstar Introduced the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008, a $14.3 billion bill that will make major investments in Amtrak’s rail lines and allow the rail system to buy new equipment.
Oberstar’s bill also sets aside $850 million for grants to finance new high-speed rail projects across the nation. The proposed Duluth to Minneapolis rail line would be eligible to apply for funding under both of the grant programs the legislation would establish.
“We need to invest in passenger rail and commuter rail,” said Oberstar. “In an economy where gas is nearing $4 a gallon, we need to do all we can to conserve fuel and give commuters alternatives.”
In the past, Amtrak has been a lightening rod for political controversy as the Bush Administration and many Republican lawmakers have attempted to reduce funding for the program. Oberstar says this bill is different. As chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Oberstar was able to secure bipartisan support for the legislation before it was introduced. At a news conference today, Oberstar said he expects the House of Representatives to approve his bill before the August Recess.
“At a time of increased political tension in Washington and on the campaign trail, I am very pleased that we were able to reach bipartisan agreement on this important rail bill. When we can reach across party lines, make concessions to one another and put forth a package in the public interest, it will pass,” said Oberstar.
“Bipartisanship counts for something in this congress and when we can reach across party lines, make concessions to one another and put forth a package in the public interest – it will pass,” said Oberstar.
Previous Daily Briefing Articles:
- Oberstar’s AMTRAK bill may aid Duluth to Minneapolis line -5/10/2008
- Iron Range is driving the region’s economy -5/7/2008
- Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute receives $150K grant from Xcel Energy -5/6/2008
- Two Harbors Area Fund grants nearly $30,000 -5/5/2008
- 9 nominated for Duluth Hall of Fame -5/2/2008
