$2.2 billion to fund Amtrak requested by 20 senators
Written by jrood
Virginia Sen. Jim Webb, along with 19 other senators, requested $2.2 billion for Amtrak's intercity passenger rail service in a letter to senate appropriators. The 18 democrats and two independents pointed to Amtrak's continuous ridership gains, fuel efficiency, as well as the negative impact reduced funding would have on capacity and infrastructure investment as reasons for the request. Virginia's Amtrak routes have seen significant ridership gains over the past decade, 32.9 percent for Newport News to Washington and 43.4 percent for Lynchburg to Washington. "As Virginia seeks solutions to its critical transportation problems, I will continue to fight for strategic infrastructure investments," said Sen. Webb. To view the letter, click here .
