McClellan, Deluzio Introduce Bill to Boost Amtrak Funding and Strengthen Transportation Infrastructure
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) and Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) introduced H.R 8853 to expand grant funding opportunities for Amtrak, a cornerstone of the U.S. public transportation system. The bill, the Amtrak Grant Flexibility Act, would make it easier for Amtrak to complete future projects, cut down on completion timelines and improve passenger rail for the millions who rely on it each year.
Currently, Amtrak can compete for grant funding from the Federal Railroad Administration’s Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail program, the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant Program and the Department of Transportation’s MEGA Grant Program. These programs require applicants to provide a partial funding match, also known as the “nonfederal share,” covering at least 20% of the total cost — restricting Amtrak’s ability to apply to receive grant program funding, especially in rural or economically disadvantaged areas where partner states and localities cannot provide this share.
The Amtrak Grant Flexibility Act gives Amtrak the authority to use its annual federal subsidy funding to cover the nonfederal share for grant applications, allowing it to apply for federal grants and support projects it would otherwise be unable to pursue.
“At a time when skyrocketing fuel prices have strained our overly car-dependent society and made life increasingly unaffordable, passenger rail provides an alternative for easy and convenient travel. But when local governments don’t have the funding to bolster public transportation in their communities, we all suffer,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “Expanding passenger rail must remain a priority, and Amtrak deserves every tool at its disposal to do so. My bill makes a minor procedural adjustment that opens the door to billions of dollars in new funding to prevent the stagnation and degradation of our rail system, and instead strengthen it for years to come.”
“Millions of people use Amtrak every year—but there’s a lot more we can do to make America’s rail system work better,” said Congressman Deluzio. “This bill will help Amtrak fund and finish rail projects to improve passenger rail infrastructure across this country. I’m proud to work with Congresswoman McClellan to introduce the Amtrak Grant Flexibility Act to help get more people where they need to go by rail.”
The Amtrak Grant Flexibility Act is endorsed by the Rail Passengers Association.
“This bill allows Amtrak to act as a strong federal partner for states and local governments looking to build better intercity rail connections, and we applaud Congresswoman McClellan for her leadership on this issue,” said Jim Mathews, President and CEO of the Rail Passengers Association. “I’ve heard from scores of elected officials across the state who have said they need more help in getting the ball rolling on corridor development. By granting Amtrak the ability to partner with local governments in funding projects, we can cut years off delivery timelines and millions off the final cost.”