FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 10, 2021
CONTACT
Mike Friedberg
202-469-5131
(Washington, D.C.) – The Coalition for the Northeast Corridor (CNEC) today applauded the leadership by Members of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee on the passage of their surface transportation reauthorization bill, the INVEST in America Act.
"We are very pleased that Chairman Peter DeFazio and the committee developed a comprehensive reauthorization proposal that helps address the myriad funding shortfalls across the Northeast Corridor," said Ronnie Hakim, Chair of CNEC. "Dozens of Northeast Corridor (NEC) bridges, stations, and tunnels are beyond their design life, and while structurally safe, many are over 100 years old and in need of immediate replacement or rehabilitation. That is why the BeST Program proposal included in the INVEST in America Act is so important, and we thank the Chairman for including it in the Committee passed bill." "As the nation works to provide access to 21st century infrastructure across the country, the INVEST in America Act provides much-needed investment and stability to catalyze rail projects along the Corridor."
"The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's surface reauthorization proposal demonstrates the Chairman and committee member's understanding of the value of the investment in rail infrastructure," said Michael Friedberg, Executive Director of CNEC. "The INVEST in America Act provides increased funding for the expansion and maintenance of the passenger rail network, enhances rail safety measures, and ensures Amtrak has the adequate funding resources to reduce backlogs and support passenger mobility." "By providing long-term investments and resources to the Corridor, we are creating jobs, improving quality of life, reducing carbon emissions, and generating economic growth across the region."
"We look forward to working with the Chairman, Ranking Member, and Committee on moving this proposal through Congress," added Friedberg.
Members of the Coalition also sent a letter in advance of the Committee markup in response to the North Atlantic Rail Corporation proposal and in support of the Bridges Stations and Tunnels (BeST) program in the INVEST in America Act.
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The Coalition for the Northeast Corridor (CNEC) is the business community's voice for strengthening rail infrastructure in order to reduce congestion, create jobs and grow the economy. We represent diverse stakeholders who rely on the Corridor to conduct commerce, access customers, and transport employees.