Due to an unexpected change in Congressional scheduling, Railroad Day Organizers must reschedule the 2011 Railroad Day on Capitol Hill. The event will now take place Thursday, July 14, 2011.

Each year, the organizers work to select a Railroad Day date that meets three criteria: (1) a day when Congress is in session and Representatives and Senators are in D.C.; (2) a day when a "reasonable" D.C. hotel rate and ballroom availability can be secured; and (3) a date that does not conflict with other industry events.

The previously selected date of March 24 met all three criteria. However, with the election of a new Republican House, the incoming House leadership has taken an unusual approach to scheduling. A week in which Congress is ordinarily in session has now been scheduled as a week out of session. This was unexpected and dozens of other conventions are in the process of rescheduling, as well.

While the new July 14 date is later than originally planned, it is the first date that the hotel had a sufficient room block to accommodate the required numbers. Organizers focused on rescheduling rather than canceling because this event is absolutely crucial to ongoing success in working with the Congress and Administration here in Washington, D.C.

ASLRRA will also likely stage an ASLRRA-LPC fly-in in early spring, 2011. ASLRRA's LPC leadership believes that a fly-in is necessary to secure the early support of Members of Congress, particularly the new Members who know little about the short line industry. The July meeting will allow for the "big show," which organizers believe is so critical in demonstrating the national reach and importance of the rail industry.

AAR, one of the key partners in this endeavor, has agreed for the need to proceed on July 14, and they may also conduct an earlier fly-in as well.

The chosen hotel is the Grand Hyatt Washington, with a room rate of $239. The room block will open February 1.