March 15, 2022
CONTACT
Mike Friedberg
202-469-5131
(Washington, D.C.) – On March 15, President Biden signed into law H.R. 2471, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 omnibus package. The package provides about $1.5 trillion across the 12 regular spending bills, including $730 billion in nondefense discretionary spending, a 6.7% increase from fiscal 2021, and $782 billion in defense spending, a 5.6% increase. As it pertains to the Northeast Corridor (NEC), the package provides increases to several programs that support passenger rail infrastructure expansion and maintenance along the Corridor.
“CNEC members applaud Congress and the administration for providing meaningful increases to programs that support infrastructure along the NEC,” said Mike Friedberg, CNEC Executive Director. “Not only does passenger rail provide a safe and reliable form of transportation but it also reduces highway congestion, shortens commute times, creates important employment opportunities, bolsters regional economies, and provides a low-carbon transportation option that is in line with the administration’s climate goals.”
“With gas prices on the rise, Americans up and down the Corridor are turning to alternative methods of transportation to get to and from work, school, and complete everyday tasks,” said Ronnie Hakim, CNEC Chair of the Board. “The increases in programs supporting the maintenance and expansion of NEC infrastructure, will ensure that passenger rail continues to provide access to safe, affordable, and reliable transportation.”
Provisions Impacting the NEC
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) - $102.9 billion, + $16.2 billion
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) - $3.3 billion, + $504 million
Amtrak - $2.3 billion, + $331 million, including $874.5 million, +174.5 million for the Northeast Corridor
Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) - $625 million, + $250 million
Federal-State Partnership State of Good Repair - $1 billion, + 800 million
Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) - $775 million, - $225,000 million
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.