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California gets grant for U.S.-made rail cars
Wednesday, April 27, 2011

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will receive a
$100 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration to
purchase domestically manufactured rail passenger cars and locomotives
for the Pacific Surfliner and San Joaquin routes, used by
state-assisted Amtrak trains, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said
Wednesday.

This funds will allow Caltrans to purchase 27 bilevel intercity rail
passenger cars and two diesel-electric intercity locomotives that
comply with uniform standards that create a level playing field
allowing U.S.-based manufacturers to more effectively compete.

“We are very pleased to fund this first order for rolling stock under
the new Next Generation design standards,” said FRA Administrator
Joseph C. Szabo (pictured at left). “These standards benefit
manufacturers and suppliers, the railroad industry, and overall
passenger safety, utilizing the best technology available.”

Pacific Surfliner service has generated a 65% increase in ridership
growth in the past decade, while San Joaquin service experienced a 45%
rise in that period. The new equipment will accommodate the ridership
growth with additional cars and locomotives available for improved
service, LaHood said.

DOT and FRA said the grant will advance President Obama’s vision is to
connect 80% of Americans to high speed rail within the next 25 years.
The agencies also said that a “Buy America” requirement for high speed
intercity passenger rail projects also ensures that U.S. manufacturers
and workers will receive the maximum economic benefits from the
federal investment.

LaHood in 2009 secured a commitment from 30 foreign and domestic rail
manufacturers to employ American workers and locate or expand their
base of operations in the U.S. if they are selected for high speed
rail contracts.


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Mike Muldoon
Rosemont Seneca Partners, LLC
1010 Wisconsin Ave., NW
Suite 705
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 333-1880
mmuldoon@rosemontseneca.com