U.s. congressman Rodney davis proudly representing the 13th district of illinois

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) announced today that the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure unanimously passed the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015 to improve rail infrastructure by improve grant programs available to states, reduces costs, leverage private investments, and increase transparency for Amtrak. Specifically, this bill reauthorizes the Rail Line Relocation and Improvement Capital Grant program (RLR) and the Intercity Passenger Rail Service Corridor Capital Assistance program to allow for the relocation of both passenger and freight rail lines.

“The changes made in this bill will enhance our nation’s passenger rail network by helping to accelerate projects, like the 10th Street rail consolidation project in Springfield, that are important to improving rail infrastructure,” said Davis. “By authorizing funds to be used for freight and passenger rail lines to be relocated to less congested areas, we can help Amtrak improve its service and therefore, maximize the investment made by taxpayers.”

The Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015 passed the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, on which Davis serves. Highlights from the bill include:

· It includes funds for state grants to improve passenger rail service and to relocate rail lines.
· Reauthorizes the rail line relocation program to help move busy rail corridors out of downtown areas.
· The bill streamlines the environmental review process to ensure time and money are not wasted with bureaucratic red tape.
· PRRIA also improves the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) loan process to give greater certainty to states and railroads seeking funding.
· Strengthens transparency by requiring Amtrak to report its operating expenses to Congress and complete a detailed five-year capital and financial plan.
· Leverages private investment by creating station development opportunities for the private sector.