Rep. Johnson Tackles Commuter Gridlock, Gas Prices

Press Release

Congressman Hank Johnson, a member of the House Small Business Committee, reiterated his support for energy efficiency and independence today in a vote for the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (H.R. 6003). He said the long overdue funding will help reduce America's dependence upon foreign oil and will take steps toward providing more energy-efficient transportation.

H.R. 6003 will also help modernize and expand Amtrak and other intercity passenger rail services. In recent years, Rep. Johnson said Congress neglected passenger rail and allocated only enough funding for Amtrak to avoid bankruptcy. The bill reauthorizes Amtrak through FY 2013; Amtrak's authorization expired in 2002.

"This is another giant step toward unclogging congestion on our roadways, saving money at the pump, and protecting the environment," said Rep. Johnson. "Citizens need affordable means to travel and passenger rail is an attractive part of the transportation mix. Amtrak has the network and has demonstrated that it can deter an estimated 8 million cars from our roads annually."

According to Rep. Johnson, the bill creates $2.5 billion in capital grants for states to create or improve intercity passenger rail; provides $4.2 billion for Amtrak to improve the Northeast Corridor and beyond, affords $345 million annually for its debt service and $3 billion in operating grants over five years. In addition, the bill authorizes 11 high-speed rail corridors with $1.7 billion in grants including a service between Washington, D.C. and New York pending Congressional approval; and compels the Surface Transportation Board to finalize stalled commuter rail negotiations.

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