Rep. McMorris Rodgers tours L.B. Foster concrete tie facility

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
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Rep. McMorris Rodgers observing concrete tie quality testing.

On September 22, 2015, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA-05) joined Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association and National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association member L.B. Foster Company for a tour of its concrete tie manufacturing facility.

 

Steve Burgess, president, CXT, Inc., and vice president of Concrete Products, L.B. Foster Company, gave an overview of L.B. Foster and its current operations. L.B. Foster supplies infrastructure products and services for transportation, construction and energy and utility projects in the U.S. and around the world. Specializing in rail products, among other industries, L.B. Foster employs approximately 100 people at its Spokane, Wash., facility, which was acquired from CXT Inc. in 1999.

In her opening remarks, Rep. McMorris stated, “It is critical that manufacturers thrive in our community. I will continue to advocate for a smaller and more effective government and work with local organizations, like L.B. Foster, to create opportunities and jobs right here in the Spokane region.”

Attendees discussed the importance of extending the Positive Train Control (PTC) deadline to avoid serious consequences and costs for not only companies directly affected by the railroad industry, but also for the local and national economies.

Attendees also thanked the Rep. McMorris for her support of the 45G tax credit. The Short Line Railroad Rehabilitation and Investment Act of 2015, was introduced in February and already has more than 50 percent co-sponsorship in the House with 241 co-sponsors. It would extend section 45G of the tax code which expired at the end of last year.

 

 

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