Hunter – Yes, great to chat and let’s
get a date for lunch soon. Also, thanks for the offer to connect us
with Beau. We’re excited about Philly and would love to learn more
about the city.
Here’s what I have for you on these
questions:
1) The handling of these projects differs. There are
fundamentally two types of projects funded by ARRA’s $8b HSIPR grant program
that involve us: 1) projects that involve improvements to our assets (NEC,
stations, etc) and 2) projects that improve other’s assets (freight RR’s,
etc) that we use to provide our service. The relationships and processes are
thus pretty different depending on which type, ranging from minimal involvement
primarily relating to the service outcomes that flow from the improvements (
In addition to these, are
the two “
2) We don’t have any immediate plans for hiring a general consulting
engineer for HSR that I know of. I assume this question is aimed at the
FL/CA projects? If so, we are likely join up with others who would handle
the D/B aspect of the project. Our main role is in the O&M.
3) We are talking with many about partnerships for both our general
system capital needs, particularly fleet, and for new HSR projects.
4) Coming along pretty well, I think, although all the normal challenges
abound. We are essentially doing something like 3 years of work in 1.
I think we are always open to exploring offers of help when we can see that
such help will reduce cost and risk.
Let me know if I’ve missed the mark
on any of these and look forward to getting together soon,
S
Stephen J. Gardner
Vice President, Policy and Development
Amtrak
202-906-2486
stephen.gardner@amtrak.com
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From: Hunter Biden
[mailto:hbiden@rosemontseneca.com]
Sent: Friday, April 02, 2010 1:49
PM
To: Gardner, Stephen J
Subject:
Stephen,
It
was great catching up today and look forward to getting together for lunch
soon. As we discussed, below are a few questions I was hoping you could assist
in answering. Don’t go out of your way if they are going to be too much
trouble in finding the answers for. Thanks again and I’ll be sure to put
you in touch with Beau.
Best,
Hunter
1)
How will Amtrak interact with
states on ARRA projects that directly involve Amtrak? Will individual states
handle the relationship differently?
2)
What is the status / timeline for
Amtrak selecting a Super General Consulting Engineer for HSR? Will the
arrangement be similar to existing PMO contracts? Will firms who already have
similar contracts be excluded from bidding?
3)
Does Amtrak see a need for a partner
to assist with Amtrak capital as well as implementing HSR national?
4)
How is stimulus delivery coming
along? Would Amtrak consider hiring an outside firm to expedite the process?
R. Hunter Biden
Rosemont Seneca Partners, LLC
1010
202-333-1880
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