As a founding member of Rail Advocates for Infrastructure, Business Leaders for Transportation is working closely with regional, state and national organizations to boost support for the creation of a national rail infrastructure funding program.
Transportation organizations nationwide have banded
together to form Rail
Advocates for Infrastructure Legislation (RAIL) to find
solutions to freight gridlock. Fueled by U.S. Rep. William Lipinski’s (D-Ill.) idea for
a federal infrastructure program similar to the aviation funding program, the coalition advocates for
the creation of a program that will invest in and improve the
condition and capacity of the nation’s freight transportation system. These improvements
will not only serve to meet the expected growth in both domestic and
international trade, but also provide the appropriate infrastructure to support
commuter transit and intercity passenger rail operations. Along with
Business Leaders for Transportation, RAIL’s founding members consist of
11 organizations from various parts of the United States with one
unifying purpose: to remedy gridlock and congestion on our nation’s freight system.
With national
freight movement expected to triple over the next 20 years, RAIL organizers see the
urgency of finding a dedicated federal funding source
for rail infrastructure. The nation’s rail system is
a key player in the United States economy and provides reduced transport
expenses and enables faster and
easier business expansion. The American Association of State Highway
and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) projects a tripling of international trade and
doubling of domestic trade over the next 20
years. “We must make investments in our nation’s rail system now,” says
Steve Schlickman, manager of the coalition. “These improvements promote
social benefits, enhance safety
and add to the everyday quality of life of the people of our
nation.”
RAIL’s 2003 goals
include:
- Creating a new, multi-billion-dollar federal rail
investment program as part of the reauthorization of TEA-21
;
- Expanding the coalition to be representative of all
regions within the country and their need for federal rail investment support;
- Coordinating with other supportive public
interest groups such as the United States Conference of Mayors and the Chamber of Commerce and
National League of Cities, to help spread awareness;
- Working to gain the support of freight railroads, transit
agencies, advocates for intercity passenger rail and their respective
associates; and
- Coordinating the efforts of coalition members and their Washington, D.C.
representatives.
Click
here to download a copy of the white paper.
If you need additional information or are interested in joining
this national coalition, contact Karyn Romano at 312.863.6005.