Vice President Biden and Congressman Andre Carson Announce Stimulus Funding for Beech Grove Amtrak Facility
March 13, 2009
March 13, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman André Carson joined Vice President Joseph Biden at a press conference at the Union Station Amtrak rail facility in Washington, D.C. to announce the distribution of rail funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Amtrak will receive $82 million in Recovery Act funding to rehabilitate and return to service 68 passenger rail cars.
The cars will be repaired at Amtrak's maintenance of equipment facilities in Beech Grove, Indiana and Bear, Delaware. Amtrak expects the rehabilitation work will create 125 new jobs between the two facilities.
Below are Congressman Carson's remarks from today's press conference.
"Let me begin by thanking the Vice President and the Administration for their outstanding leadership on the implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. I would be remiss if I also did not thank my congressional colleagues for their diligence in pushing this legislation through the House and Senate.
"My home state of Indiana will reap tremendous benefits from this recovery package. My congressional district is home to one of our nation's finest and most robust Amtrak maintenance facilities in Beech Grove, Indiana. Today, I am proud that we can announce funding to ensure the future viability and longevity of this important repair facility.
"With this announcement, I believe the Obama Administration is demonstrating the true dynamic versatility of this economic recovery package. Because this recovery package is not just about creating and saving American jobs. It is not just about making vital investments in our nation's infrastructure. It is an all-inclusive package that will secure jobs, modernize our transportation services and improve the standards of living for millions of hardworking American families.
"So in closing, I would once again like to thank the Vice President for his leadership. I look forward to continuing to work with the Administration on securing jobs and further upgrading our nation's rail system."
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