Amtrak may lose money in Obama transportation plan

(Bloomberg News circulated the following on February 14, 2011.)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rail users said they are concerned that Amtrak, the U.S. passenger railroad, and high-speed rail projects would lose federal money under President Barack Obama’s proposal to create a rail account in a new transportation trust fund.

The proposal for funding a new six-year surface transportation law would end direct operating subsidies to Amtrak and for the first time include rail programs in what has been called the “highway bill.” Amtrak received $1.57 billion in capital and debt service grants, and operating subsidies, in fiscal 2010.

The full story appears at www.bloomberg.com.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011
bentley@ble-t.org

http://www.ble-t.org/pr/news/headline.asp?id=32199