Responding to TIGER Grants Announcement

Statement of Anne Canby on Behalf of the OneRail Coalition, Washington, DC, February 17, 2010:

"The OneRail Coalition commends Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood's announcement of the award of $1.5 billion in in merit-based TIGER grants for emphasizing a strong multi-modal commitment to balancing investment in the nation's transportation system.

"The Gateway and Crescent corridors and Fitchburg commuter rail projects in the east, CREATE in the Midwest, the Port of Gulfport in the south, and the Alameda corridor in the west reflect t the geographic diversity of the almost $600 million awarded to rail and intermodal projects, and underscores rail's vital role in the nation's transportation system, along with the rail sector's ability to quickly create meaningful jobs here at home to help get our economy back on track.

"Improving rail efficiency will provide cost-effective alternatives that reduce energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and transportation costs, and support sustainable economic growth.

"We urge Congress to add to this momentum by including funding for transportation infrastructure programs in the jobs bill currently moving through the Senate."

About OneRail

The OneRail Coalition supports additional investment in the nation's rail infrastructure to create American jobs, de-congest chokepoints, put more freight and passengers on fuel-efficient trains, and reduce our nation's greenhouse gas emissions.

OneRail's members include: the American Public Transportation Association, American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, Amtrak, Association of American Railroads, National Association of Railroad Passengers, Natural Resources Defense Council, National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association, Railway Supply Institute, States for Passenger Rail Coalition, Surface Transportation Policy Partnership, Transportation Communications International Union/IAM, and United Transportation Union.