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To our friends at Amtrak:

The August issue of NARP News is attached.

Stories in this issue include:

Page 1:
Ø Over ¾ of $1 billion obligated to California and 4 Midwestern states to procure new cars (mostly bilevel) and locomotives for short-distance corridor service, capable of 110 mph top speeds.
Ø A NARP Board of Directors resolution defends the California High-Speed Rail Authority's decision to locate the line's first segment in the Central Valley
Ø High-speed rail is still one of the safest modes of travel, despite a recent well-publicized crash on one of China's high-speed lines, yet rear-end collisions between freight trains in the U.S. highlight a key shortcoming of Positive Train Control technology as it is currently being implemented here.

Page 2:
Ø House and Senate leaders each release their own proposals for a new six-year reauthorization of federal surface transportation programs. We take you through the good, bad and ugly aspects of both versions, and highlight the blockade to progress posed by the lack of political will to raise user fees.
Ø An article in this month's issue of American Conservative magazine sheds a positive light on the passenger train issue, describing it in terms of restoring a "lost dignity" to intercity travel.
Ø A bill introduced by U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) seeks to mobilize $100 billion in private infrastructure investment, and makes high-speed and intercity passenger rail projects eligible for Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement loans.
Ø Funding was obligated to the closure of three Pennsylvania grade crossings so that Keystone trains can reach 125 mph between Philadelphia and Harrisburg, after a grant agreement was reached.

Page 3:
Ø Thanks to an emerging consensus between environmental groups and the rail industry, ways are being developed to get federally-funded rail projects approved and built faster while maintaining environmental safeguards.
Ø NARP points to flaws in Amtrak's handling of recent service disruptions affecting Capitol Limited and Cardinal passengers.

Page 4:

> NARP members will elect new State Representatives to the national Council of Representatives in January. Members seeking to run for State Representative positions must file Candidate Information Statements by December 1.
Ø Travelers' Advisory


Malcolm Kenton

Director of Outreach and Engagement

National Association of Railroad Passengers

(202) 408-8362

mkenton@narprail.org