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WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (H.R. 6003) today, authorizing funding for Amtrak and improving and expanding passenger rail service nationwide, including amendments sponsored by U.S. Representative Michael A. Arcuri (D-Utica) to directly address New York State's rail infrastructure needs.

"With gas prices increasing daily and local families struggling to afford sky-rocketing commuter costs, rail expansion and improvement must be a top priority," said Arcuri, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "Improving our rail infrastructure and service must be part of our long-term transportation strategy to effectively decrease our nation's reliance on finite fossil fuels, help local families with transportation costs and foster economic development where we need it most. Developing our rail system is a critical part of a long-term energy fix."

The Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 would authorize $2.5 billion in grants over five years for intercity passenger rail, funding an increasingly necessary transportation alternative that will decrease commuter costs and travel times, as well as decrease dependence on foreign oil and improve the environment. By improving and expanding passenger rail, this bill creates alternatives for commuters hit by record high fuel prices and increasingly congested airports and highways.

Arcuri worked with colleagues from both parties, as well as Governor Paterson's office, to ensure the Northeast Corridor and New York's unique rail needs were addressed in the bill. By authorizing $4.2 billion for Amtrak capital grants through 2013, H.R. 6003 would help to repair the Northeast Corridor, including rail service in New York, and procure new rolling stock, rehabilitate bridges, and provide capital improvements and maintenance over its entire network. Arcuri also offered amendments, which were incorporated into the bill's comprehensive Manager's Amendment, to improve passenger rail service in New York State.

H.R. 6003 includes authorization for $3.0 billion to Amtrak for operating grants through 2013, helping Amtrak pay salaries, health costs, fuel costs, overtime pay, and train and facilities maintenance.

The National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission recommended that the U.S. establish a high-speed rail network spanning the entire country. H.R. 6003 would authorize $1.75 billion for grants to States and/or Amtrak to finance the construction and equipment for 11 authorized high-speed rail corridors.

It would also alleviate rail "choke points" by providing $520 million over four years in congestion grants to States and Amtrak for high-priority rail corridors to reduce congestion and facilitate ridership growth.

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