Washington, D.C. – “The implementation of the Railroad Safety Improvement Act provides America with a comprehensive transportation policy that will allow us to meet the evolving travel needs of our nation’s commuters,” said Congressman André Carson.  “This legislation will make substantial investments in our nation’s rail infrastructure and provide working Americans with an additional and reliable mode of transportation.”

In order to ease the gridlock on our nation’s overcrowded highways and congested airports, the Railroad Safety Improvement Act authorizes $12 billion in funding for Amtrak.  Past inconsistent federal support has hampered Amtrak’s ability to replace catenaries, passenger cars, bridges, ties, and other equipment necessary for Amtrak to provide adequate services for its customers.   

Congressman Carson successfully lobbied to have language included in this legislation that assists workers at Amtrak’s repair facility in Beech Grove, Indiana.  In order to prevent the arbitrary transfer of 80 jobs from the Beech Grove plant, Congressman Carson had language inserted in this bill that prevents the immediate transfer of these jobs.  Congressman Carson’s provision mandates that Amtrak issue a report to Congress on the extent to which it is maximizing its opportunities before it authorizes the transfer of any jobs from its Beech Grove facility.

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