AASHTO Meeting focuses on next generation rail equipment.

Press Release Summary:



AASHTO's Next Generation Equipment Committee met in Chicago, IL with over 200 domestic and international manufacturers and suppliers of passenger rail equipment. Meeting was major step toward creating jobs as part of high-speed intercity passenger program, according to John Horsley. Made up of members from state transportation departments, FRA, and Amtrak, committee aim to develop specifications and procurement strategies for next generation of passenger rail cars and equipment.



Original Press Release:



Top Rail Officials Meeting to Discuss Next Gen. Equipment and Jobs



(Chicago, Illinois) - The committee charged with helping to shape the future of high-speed and intercity passenger rail manufacturing in America is meeting today in Chicago, Illinois with more than 200 domestic and international manufacturers and suppliers of passenger rail equipment. The next Generation Equipment Committee is made up of members from state transportation departments, the Federal Railroad Administration, and Amtrak. Its primary focus is to develop specifications and procurement strategies for America's next generation of passenger rail cars and equipment, including more powerful locomotives.

"Today's event builds on the highly successful meeting of equipment providers convened by Secretary Ray La Hood earlier this year," said Bill Bronte, Director of the Rail Division of the California Department of Transportation and chair of the committee. "We are making solid progress to develop the plans and specifications for the kind of rail equipment America will need to realize its goal of creating true high-speed rail for the nation."

The committee was created by the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA) and its initial funding is being provided by the FY 2010 transportation appropriations act. The group of state rail leaders, senior Amtrak managers, and US DOT rail professionals offers a unique blend of both expertise and resources, including those of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

"The Chicago meeting is another major step toward the creation of the jobs the President envisions as a key part of his high-speed intercity passenger program," said John Horsley, AASHTO executive director. "States proved through the Recovery Act that they can deliver projects and paychecks. Now they're ready to do it again in partnership with Amtrak and the FRA," Horsley said.

AASHTO has also created the Rail Resource Center, as the institutional home of the NGEC and a resource for the very latest information on high-speed and intercity passenger rail. You can find the website at www.highspeed-rail.org.

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) is the "Voice of Transportation" representing State Departments of Transportation in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. AASHTO is a nonprofit, nonpartisan association serving as a catalyst for excellence in transportation.

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