FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2024
Contact:
Mike Friedberg
202-469-5131
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 25, 2024, the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations overwhelmingly passed its $98.7 billion Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Act out of committee in a 29-1 vote. Two weeks prior, on July 11, the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations advanced its $90.4 billion THUD bill by a narrower 31-26 vote.
During the annual appropriations process, the Coalition for the Northeast Corridor (CNEC or the Coalition) works with lawmakers and key decision-makers to secure federal funding for essential rail projects on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor (NEC), which accommodates 260 million passenger trips annually.
For FY2025, CNEC has prioritized funding for the Federal Rail Administration’s (FRA) Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (Fed-State) and Amtrak Northeast Corridor (NEC) programs.
The Coalition’s advocacy efforts helped secure $1.029 billion in the Senate and $1.002 billion in the House THUD appropriations bills for Amtrak’s NEC account. We commend the work of our allies in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle for their help in securing this critical funding.
CNEC is pleased that the Senate’s THUD bill funds the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (Fed-State) account at $100 million, a $25 million increase over the FY2024 enacted level. However, the Coalition is disappointed by the absence of funding for the Fed-State account in the House’s THUD bill. CNEC will continue to advocate for adequate funding for this account during the conference process.
CNEC remains committed to working with both chambers of Congress to ensure that the final appropriations bill includes robust funding for essential rail programs. Strategic investments in rail infrastructure are vital for the future of the Northeast Corridor and the communities, businesses, and other stakeholders who rely on the Corridor.
Senate THUD Provisions Relevant to CNEC:
Northeast Corridor (NEC) Funding:
Provides $1,020,974,000 in NEC Funding
Including $5,000,000 for the Northeast Corridor Commission (NECC)
Fed-State:
Provides $100,000,000 in funding for Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (Fed-State)
Directs the DOT Secretary to withhold 5% of Regional Rail Planning funding to carry out planning and development activities for the Corridor Identification and Development Program
Amtrak National Network:
Provides $1.617 billion exclusively to Amtrak National Network
Including $66,000,000 for the Corridor Identification and Development Program (CIDP)
Contains language expressing the Committee’s support for Amtrak service in rural communities
Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program (CRISI)
Provides $375.82 million in funding for CRISI grant program
Including $75.821 million in Congressionally Directed Spending (earmarks)
Requires a minimum of $5 million in CRISI funds go toward the creation and implementation of workforce development, training, and apprenticeship programs
Washington Union Station:
Grants new Fed-State program eligibility for the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation
Allocates $15 million in Fed-State funding for the rehabilitation of Washington Union Station
House THUD Provisions Relevant to CNEC:
Northeast Corridor (NEC) Funding:
Provides $1,002,115,000 in NEC funding
Includes up to $5,000,000 in funding for the NECC
Fed-State:
The House bill fails to appropriate any funding to the Fed-State account
Includes language which:
Limits the use of Federal-state partnership for intercity passenger rail grants from Division J of Public Law 117–58
Provides $15 million in funding from Federal-state partnership for intercity passenger rail grants to the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation for repair and rehabilitation of the Washington Union Station complex
Prohibits Fed-State funds from being used for a high-speed rail corridor development project in California
Amtrak National Network:
Provides $1.123 billion exclusively to Amtrak National network
Includes language directing Amtrak to work with the Canadian Network (CN) to ensure year-round service of the Adirondack line is restored
Includes language directing the Office of Inspector General (OIG) to notify the U.S. House and Senate Committees on Appropriations of any anomalies it finds through monitoring of IIJA implementation
CRISI:
Provides $298.5 million in funding for CRISI grant program
Includes $38.525 million in Community Project Funding (earmarks)
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.
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