RSI suggests changes to “Buy America” program in white paper

In a white paper published today, "Rail Supply Innovation and Buy America Requirements," the Railway Supply Institute, a trade association representing the rail supply industry, recommended three sweeping changes to current U.S. Buy-America provisions and funding for transit, high-speed and intercity passenger rail that it says will ensure increased domestic content for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act-funded projects. "RSI has been a strong supporter of Buy America regulations and helped develop current federal Buy America policies for Amtrak and transit. Buy America has helped preserve a domestic passenger railway manufacturing industry that was in danger of disappearing in the mid-20th Century." said Tom Simpson, president of RSI. However, in order to meet the stringent ARRA Buy America requirements, RSI supports the following: • Long-term dedicated sources of funding for high-speed and intercity passenger rail through a menu of options. • Clarification of Buy America standards by streamlining the particular differences among provisions specific to Buy America, Federal Transit Administration, Federal Railroad Administration and ARRA funds. • A Department of Transportation National Rail Plan that supports the U.S. passenger rail equipment manufacturing industry through a vision for sustained equipment purchases and equipment life-cycle policies that avoid "boom or bust" procurement cycles. RSI's white paper is posted on its website at www.rsiweb.org.