Minnesota Congressman Jim Oberstar, chair of the U.S. House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, unveiled legislation on May 8 that will infuse substantive funding and needed policy changes into the development of passenger rail infrastructure.  The measure is co-sponsored by more than 30 other members of the committee, including Ranking Member John Mica, Rail Subcommittee Chair Corrine Brown and Subcommittee Ranking Member Bill Shuster.

The two companion bills, HR 6003 and HR 6004, contain additional and stronger provisions than legislation passed by the Senate (S. 294) – provisions which the MIPRC and others had asked that the House legislation contain. The House T&I Rail Subcommittee held hearings in June to receive input on developing this legislation. Then-MIPRC Chair and Indiana Sen. Robert Jackman, MIPRC Commissioner and Illinois Rep. Elaine Nekritz,other state officials and MIPRC allies were invited to testify.

The MIPRC is pleased that the stronger provisions include:

• Dedicated funding for passenger rail development, including provision of state grants and authorization of tax-credit and tax-exempt bonds;
• Establishment of a process to help strengthen Amtrak's preferred access on freight rail corridors;
• Provision of consistent and adequate funding for Amtrak operations.

For additional information, please click on these links:  HR 6003--to reauthorize Amtrak, and other provisions; HR 6004--to provide financing for high-speed rail infrastructure, and other provisions; The Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (PRIAA, HR 6003) as amended; Congressman Oberstar’s remarks; highlights of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (PRIIA); Midwestern sponsor and co-sponsors of PRIAA as of May 22; and highlights of the Rail Infrastructure Development and Expansion Act (RIDE-21). 

WisDOT Secretary Frank Busalacchi, who chairs the States for Passenger Rail Coalition and is a newly-appointed MIPRC commissioner, testified before the U.S.House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials on May 14.  Click here to read Sec. Busalacchi's testimony.