Washington state to feds: We’re ready to put Florida rail money to work

Federal high-speed-rail stimulus funds rejected by Florida could be well spent in Washington on the vital Amtrak Cascades corridor stretching from Oregon to British Columbia, Washington Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond said.

"I’ve said many times, if other states don’t want this funding, Washington state is ready to put it to work," Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire said. "We’ve been committed to expanding and improving high-speed passenger rail not just to increase convenience for passengers, but to promote Washington state as a great place to visit and live. These rail lines take cars off our roads while moving workers and tourists between Seattle, Portland and Vancouver, B.C. These federal funds are an investment in our economy, and support hundreds of construction and operating jobs in our state."

In early 2010, Washington was selected to receive $590 million in federal high-speed-rail funding, part of the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grants, administered by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). That was followed by an additional $161.5 million in Recovery Act funds redirected from Ohio and Wisconsin.

The additional funding could be applied to eligible projects in the Washington State Department of Transportation’s original 2009 Recovery Act application. The additional project work would result in added round trips between Portland and Seattle, improved schedule reliability and reduced travel times throughout the corridor. The cost of these projects in the original application was estimated at $539 million.

"These projects will boost rail-line capacity and relieve main-line congestion, as well as improve track quality, reliability and passengers’ rides," said Hammond. "We will work with FRA to determine which projects should receive additional funding, based on the direct benefits to high-speed intercity passenger rail."

Washington state strongly supports high-speed rail, as evidenced by its record-breaking ridership this year on the Pacific Northwest rail corridor. Amtrak Cascades ridership was up 10 percent in 2010 compared to 2009. The second train to Vancouver, B.C., which began in August 2009 and will continue at least through October 2011, was a major factor in the growing popularity of Amtrak Cascades.

MTA promised $3M for 4th Ave station improvements

Metropolitan Transportation Authority received a promise of nearly $3 million of funding made by two local elected officials that will allow for additional capital improvement work at the 4th Avenue F and G station in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn. The work will be done in conjunction with the component work being performed at the station and the Culver Line Viaduct rehabilitation project which is already underway.

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz has agreed to contribute $2 million for funding the additional capital work focusing on station improvements along 4th Avenue between 9th and 10th Streets. Additionally, MTA New York City Transit has secured $800,000 from Assembly Member Joan Millman for the project. This will fund additional work at the 78 year-old station.

When the project is completed, customers will benefit from the replacement of platform edges, canopies, drains, lighting, the historic arch over 4th Avenue, including the glass, glass framing system, painting and removal of billboards. The project also includes replacement of the roof, brick masonry and platform windows, the repair and restoration of exterior tower stone and brickwork, repair and painting of the viaduct underside over 4th Avenue, and replacement of lighting beneath the viaduct over 4th Avenue and the sidewalks, which would double the existing illumination. All four entrance globes (4th Avenue and 10th Street), all entrance doors (4th Avenue and 10th Street) and all storefront windows (4th Avenue and 10th Street) will be replaced in preparation for new retail tenants by 2012.

The arch windows will be restored and opened and we are in the process of performing the necessary work to reopen the east side station house of the 4th Avenue station. This unstaffed area is scheduled to be re-opened by the end of 2011.

CN’s Mongeau calls for new paradigm anchored on innovation, productivity and greater collaboration

Claude Mongeau, president and chief executive officer of Canadian National called for a new business model that embraces innovation, increased productivity and greater stakeholder collaboration.

Mongeau, speaking to the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, said: "We need to articulate a clear vision of how we’re going to foster economic growth and compete more effectively in global markets. To that end, we require business and government to embrace change and foster innovation. At CN, we intend to be part of the solution."

Mongeau cited CN’s Scheduled Grain Plan introduced last year as an example of innovation that is driving significant gains for all stakeholders in the grain industry.

"CN’s success under this plan in delivering specified hopper cars to specified elevators on specified days each week has translated into more predictable service to the grain industry. Grain companies can now better schedule their staff at country elevators and waterfront export terminals. It’s all about selling the right grain at the right time to the right buyer and ultimately creating more wealth for Canadian farmers."

The results – CN achieved a fulfillment rate of more than 85 per cent for spotting of covered hoppers on the day the railway committed their placement during 2010.

Mongeau said CN’s new Scheduled Grain Plan is "a prototype of what we have to do more of in the key supply chains we serve to support increased competitiveness. This business model will require greater collaboration from all players and a renewed willingness to innovate in order to stake our ground in world markets."

Mongeau said achieving greater grain supply chain efficiencies means the system needs to evolve from one that’s too often characterized by adversarial relationships to one based on closer collaboration and a clear end-to-end supply chain perspective. This is best achieved, he said, in a context of mutual trust and in a commercial framework.

Mongeau concluded: "To succeed, we have to take this journey together. Embracing change and innovating together is the key to making the grain industry more competitive in global markets."

FTA committed to “Buy America” regulation; launches new website

Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff reiterated the FTA’s commitment to the "Buy America" provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by saying that the administration would not consider any public interest waiver of the regulation for ARRA projects and revealed a new website, www.dot.gov/buyamerica, to promote possible business opportunities surrounding the regulation.

DOT statement on Florida governor’s decision to decline high-speed rail dollars

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood made the following statement regarding Florida Governor Rick Scott’s decision to decline high-speed rail dollars.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood: "We are extremely disappointed by Governor Rick Scott’s decision to walk away from the job creating and economic development benefits of high speed rail in Florida. We worked with the governor to make sure we eliminated all financial risk for the state, instead requiring private businesses competing for the project to assume cost overruns and operating expenses. It is projects like these that will help America out-build our global competitors and lay the foundation needed to win the future. This project could have supported thousands of good-paying jobs for Floridians and helped grow Florida businesses, all while alleviating congestion on Florida’s highways. Nevertheless, there is overwhelming demand for high speed rail in other states that are enthusiastic to receive Florida’s funding and the economic benefits it can deliver, such as manufacturing and construction jobs, as well as private development along its corridors."

BNSF launches collaborative online Supply Chain Forum

BNSF Railway has launched a collaborative online Supply Chain Forum aimed at encouraging understanding, participation and discussion about the important infrastructure and supply chain issues facing the United States. The site features a new video outlining the benefits of a strong supply chain, how it works and the challenges the U.S. faces to maintain and improve its supply chain advantages.

The U.S. supply chain involves the entire transportation and distribution infrastructure used to deliver all of the materials the U.S. consumes and produces. Thanks to the size of its freight rail, highway, water, pipeline and air infrastructure, the U.S. has long enjoyed a competitive advantage with some of the world’s lowest supply chain costs as a percentage of GDP compared to Europe or China. This supply chain cost advantage has helped create more wage headroom for U.S. workers.

However, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. population is expected to exceed 370 million by the year 2030. With supply chain capacity largely filled, these increases promise growing strains on our infrastructure.

The forum can be found at online at www.KeepAmericaInMotion.org, and followed on Twitter at @AmericaInMotion.

AECOM joint venture awarded $60M program-management contract, $22M contract in Singapore

AECOM Technology Corporation, in a join venture with Rummler, Klepper & Kahl LLP, has been awarded an eight-year, $60-million program-management contract by the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) of the Maryland Department of Transportation.

The work is for the program management of major capital projects in Maryland involving new mass transit initiatives, including the Red Line, the Purple Line and the Corridor Cities Transitway light rail projects, which are currently in the planning and environmental phases of project development.

Under the contract, the joint venture team will be responsible for project management of the Purple Line as well as systems preservation, enhancement and expansion for all of MTA’s existing transport modes, including bus, metro subway, light rail, Maryland Area Regional Commuter Rail, commuter bus, paratransit and freight. The team will finalize planning and preliminary engineering activities, oversee final design and pre-construction work, and provide construction management/inspection, quality assurance/quality control, and systems start-up services.

Project works are expected to be completed over an eight-year period.

In similar news, AECOM was also awarded a detailed design contract worth approximately $22 million from the Singapore Land Transport Authority.

Under the contract – one of five major architectural and engineering consultancy packages related to the creation of the Thomson Line within the island nation’s Mass Rapid Transit system – AECOM will design five underground stations and complete nearly four miles of route-alignment work.

The metro line runs through an area with a mixture of residential and commercial buildings. The Thomson Line is scheduled for completion during 2018.

GTRI awarded TriMet LAN/WAN maintenance contract

Global Technology Resources, Inc. (GTRI) has won a contract to supply TriMet, Portland, Oregon’s Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District with Cisco Systems hardware, software and a broad range of professional services to maintain, upgrade and/or replace current networking infrastructure. GTRI’s contract will run through December 31st, 2013, with three additional one-year options available.

The TriMet contract is worth $1.5 million over 3 years. GTRI will provide Cisco Systems hardware, software and professional services and the contract is available to any Oregon state agency that will need Cisco Systems products.

TriMet has selected Cisco Systems equipment as the standard for its networks to ensure compatibility among components and to streamline support and training requirements. GTRI is a gold certified Cisco partner with Master Certification in Unified Communications.

Alaska Railroad Board elects Leary as new Chair

The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) Board of Directors elected a new Board Chair, Linda Leary, during a regular board meeting on February 16. Governor Sean Parnell appointed Leary to the ARRC Board in October 2009. Outgoing Chair John Binkley expressed his confidence in Leary’s transportation experience and leadership as she accepted the post.

"After 13 years leading the Alaska Railroad Board, I have asked board member Linda Leary to step up as chair. Linda’s abilities and temperament will serve her well as she leads the board and the corporation," said Binkley. "It has been an extraordinary privilege and honor to have worked with the Alaska Railroad and its great people. I’ve served through four governors, four CEOs and more than 25 fellow board members, and this time has been remarkable and memorable." The board collectively thanked Binkley for his dedicated leadership through many transitions. Binkley remains on the Board as a director.

"Transportation has been near and dear to me for a long time and I am excited about the railroad’s future. I look forward to working with the board to pursue economic opportunities and address the pressing issues at hand," said Leary.

Leary is president and co-owner of Carlile Transportation Systems. She has worked for Carlile for more than 25 years in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. An active member of the community, she serves on the United Way Executive Cabinet, and on the boards of the Resource Development Council of Alaska, State Chamber, Associated General Contractors, Breast Cancer Focus, Inc., and Rasmuson Foundation. She is also an Honorary Commander for Elmendorf AFB 3rd Logistics Squadron. Raised in Maine, Leary earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine. After moving to Alaska, she earned a masters degree in logistics management from UAA.

As part of the board’s annual election of officers, former Governor Bill Sheffield remains as ARRC Board Vice Chairman, and ARRC Vice President of Corporate & Governmental Affairs Wendy Lindskoog remains as Board Secretary.

LaHood announces details of President

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has released funding recommendations for 10 new capital transit construction projects around the country as part of President Obama’s FY12 budget request. The Obama Administration’s budget proposal included a record $3.2 billion in funding for 28 transit construction projects across the United States that will increase mobility, reduce energy consumption and curb air pollution.

"As President Obama made clear in his State of the Union Address, we must win the future by investing in a modern transportation network that will enable us to out-compete the rest of the world," Secretary LaHood said. "The projects we are proposing to Congress are an important down payment on the President’s promise to strengthen our transportation networks for the 21st century."

The spending plan included in President Obama’s budget submitted to Congress recommends investing $569.3 million in 10 new transit construction projects, including rail and bus rapid transit projects in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington State. An additional 11 projects that were recommended for funding in previous years but have not yet received federal commitments are also being recommended for $1.4 billion in this year’s budget.

"The projects we’re recommending for funding this year have so far met the demanding requirements of the Federal Transit Administration’s New Starts program, which ensures that they represent a good investment of taxpayer dollars," said Administrator Peter Rogoff. "I’m confident these projects will go a long way toward making our communities stronger, offer more transportation choices and open the door to new opportunities for millions of Americans."

In addition to the transit construction projects that have not yet been funded, the budget provides $835.4 million for the continued funding of seven additional rail transit projects already operational or under construction in New York, Dallas, Salt Lake City, Seattle, and Northern Virginia.

Several additional projects that might become ready for federal funding during FY 2012 were mentioned as possible candidates for $400 million that is included in the President’s budget for capital transit projects. These include the Westside Subway Extension (Subway to the Sea) and the Regional Connector Transit Corridor in Los Angeles; the Columbia River Crossing in the Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington area; and the Charlotte Blue Line Extension in North Carolina.

ARINC to deliver three major subsystems for nation

ARINC Incorporated, as part of a team led by Parsons Corporation, an international engineering, construction, technical, and management services firm, has been named to provide three key subsystems for the first Positive Train Control system used on a U.S. commuter railroad.

Parsons Corporation is developing the PTC system for Metrolink, the 512-mile commuter rail system that serves the Los Angeles area.

ARINC will provide the Computer-Aided Dispatch system with associated Employee-In-Charge terminals for the project, based on the ARINC Advanced Information Management (AIM®) Rail Control software platform.

ARINC will also furnish the Back Office Server for the project based on the AIM platform. ARINC is currently developing the Server technology under a contract with Wabtec for three freight rail customers.

In addition, ARINC will provide the overall Network Management System for the Metrolink PTC system.

"ARINC is extremely pleased to be a part of this ground-breaking project for the Southern California Regional Rail Authority," stated Dave Morrissey, ARINC vice
president, Airports and Surface Transportation. "This is an industry first that will set the standard for commuter rail PTC systems."

 

Fla. Governor rejects $2.4 billion in federal stimulus dollars

The L.A. Times reports that Florida Gov. Rick Scott has announced that he’s rejecting $2.4 billion in federal stimulus money President Obama’s administration had earmarked for a high-speed train connecting Orlando and Tampa.

"You don’t have to be an economic expert to know when you spend more money than you take in you will fail," Scott said.

The move likely means those dollars would be headed to California and other states investing in high-speed rail.

U.S. Rep. John Mica, R-Winter Park, issued a statement saying, "I am deeply disappointed in the decision to not move forward with the Orlando to Tampa passenger rail project. This is a huge setback for the state of Florida, our transportation, economic development and important tourism industry.”

He said he had already asked the governor to reconsider his decision.

Florida House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, issued a statement in reaction to the news.

"I’m encouraged that he [Scott] is focusing on the practical realities of government programs, and their long-term impacts.” Cannon said. "As the Constitutional officer charged with carrying out transportation policy, the Governor seems to have determined that at this time he cannot feasibly implement high-speed rail in Florida. I have confidence that he will bring the same level of scrutiny to other issues.”

In all, eight consortiums made up of international companies representing 11 countries had lined up to bid on the train that would have run from Orlando International Airport to downtown Tampa, with stops at the Orange County Convention Center, Walt Disney World and Lakeland.

Amtrak launches official YouTube channel

Amtrak passengers have a new way to get information and share the unique experience of Amtrak train travel with today’s launch of the Amtrak YouTube Channel.

The channel will feature videos with information on topics such as safety and security, the Trails & Rails program and the Amtrak vision for high-speed rail. In addition, there will be video from Amtrak employees on Amtrak journeys, customer experiences and travel tips.

"The YouTube channel provides us another way to visually communicate and engage with our customers and reach new audiences," said Darlene Abubakar, director of national advertising at Amtrak.

The Amtrak YouTube channel is the latest social media initiative by Amtrak. The Amtrak Facebook page was launched in 2008 and has more than 43,000 fans and the @Amtrak Twitter handle was added in 2010 and has more than 7,500 followers.

In addition to current information, special contests and promotions are offered exclusively through these tools such as the recent Facebook contest, "A Perfect Day on Amtrak," where passengers shared their Amtrak experience for a chance to win free train travel.

Amtrak California offers San Diego to Los Angeles express train service

Caltrans and Amtrak California have launched a new northbound Pacific Surfliner express train service between San Diego and Los Angeles that will cut the travel time for the trip by 15-20 minutes.

"In an effort to be more responsive to passengers traveling between San Diego and Los Angeles, the new weekday express service will provide a faster trip for business travelers riding the Pacific Surfliner," said Martin Tuttle, Caltrans deputy director for Planning and Modal Programs.

Starting February 16, 2011, the express Pacific Surfliner train (#563) leaving San Diego at 7:05 a.m. will stop at Solana Beach, Oceanside, Irvine, and Anaheim. Bypassed stops include San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo, Santa Ana, Orange, and Fullerton. Two Surfliner trains, one departing San Diego at 6:10 a.m. and another leaving at 8:10 a.m., will continue to stop at all stations.

 

WMATA improvements planned for Presidents Day weekend

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority will conduct significant safety and reliability work on the Blue, Orange and Red lines to comply with National Transportation Safety Board recommendations during the holiday weekend, causing some temporary service changes for customers that will mean a safer, smoother ride once the work is complete.

On the Blue and Orange Lines, there will be no train service between the Metro Center and L’Enfant Plaza Metrorail stations, and the two stations between — Federal Triangle and Smithsonian Metrorail stations — will be closed during the Presidents Day Holiday Weekend from 10 p.m., Friday, Feb. 18, to closing on Monday, Feb. 21. During that time, the agency will undertake work to replace four track switches at the Smithsonian Metrorail station, repair tunnel leaks, and make repairs to escalators and elevators.

Weekend Blue and Orange Line Service

From 10 p.m., Friday, Feb 18 to closing on Monday, Feb. 21, the Blue and Orange lines will be split in two sections. The Blue Line will operate between the Franconia-Springfield and Metro Center Metrorail stations and between the Largo Town Center and L’Enfant Plaza Metrorail stations. The Orange Line will operate between the Vienna-Fairfax/GMU and Metro Center Metrorail stations and between the New Carrollton and L’Enfant Plaza Metrorail stations.

All Blue and Orange Line trains will operate every 12 to 15 minutes during the daytime, and every 20 minutes at night.

The last Blue and Orange Line trains between the Metro Center and L’Enfant Plaza Metrorail stations will operate through the work zone prior to 10 p.m. because personnel need time to remove power from both tracks and to assemble maintenance crews safely in the designated work zones.

Weekend Red Line Service

During the holiday weekend, Red Line trains will share one track in two locations from 10 p.m., Feb. 18 to closing on Feb. 21. Trains will share one track between the Shady Grove and Twinbrook Metrorail stations as construction workers make repairs to the Rockville Metrorail station platform, and trains will share one track between the Rhode Island Ave-Brentwood and New York Avenue-Florida Avenue-Gallaudet U Metrorail stations as the agency makes repairs to the aerial structure near the Rhode Island Ave-Brentwood Metrorail station.

 

APTA applauds President Obama

The American Public Transportation Association is extremely pleased with the federal investment proposed for public transportation and high-speed rail in President Obama’s FY 12 budget.

"We applaud President Obama for his leadership and vision in making public transportation and high-speed rail programs a high national priority," said APTA President William Millar. "Given the difficult federal budget environment and the need to grow jobs and the economy, the President’s proposal recognizes the difference between spending and investment."

"We’re also pleased that he outlines a robust, multi-year authorization bill which includes the creation of a truly multi-modal trust fund that ensures the money intended for surface transportation is spent on surface transportation."

President Obama’s investment in public transportation will create American jobs and spur economic recovery. Public transportation is a proven job creator as every $1 billion invested in public transportation creates and supports 36,000 jobs. Also, for every $1 invested in public transit, $4 is generated in economic returns.

"We urge the Congress to move expeditiously on the President’s budget and authorization proposal," said Millar.

Obama

The Central Corridor Light Rail Transit Project is a big winner in President Obama’s fiscal 2012 budget.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s FY2012 Budget Highlights released with the president’s budget shows funding for Central Corridor quadrupling from $45 million recommended in fiscal 2011 to $200 million in fiscal 2012.

"This is another concrete example of the administration’s strong support for the Central Corridor LRT Project," said Chair Susan Haigh of the Metropolitan Council.

The Central Corridor project is poised to create at least 3,400 jobs since the FTA forwarded the Full Funding Grant Agreement earlier this month to Congress. An FFGA is the federal government’s contractual commitment to pay half the cost of building the $957 million line. A 60-day courtesy review will occur prior to execution. The project already has spent $145 million for design, property and construction.

With support of both past and present federal and state administrations for the Central Corridor FFGA, the Met Council awarded the major construction contracts last year and began work after receiving sufficient advance funding commitments from local funding partners, creating 571 jobs.

The 3,400 jobs would be for engineering, construction, management and operations personnel.

CAW members at CN ratify new collective agreements

Members of the Canadian Auto Workers union at Canadian National have ratified four-year collective agreements with the company and CNTL (a subsidiary of CN).

The agreements, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2011, provide wage and benefit increases to CAW members. In addition, the settlements contain progressive provisions to help CN retain and attract skilled employees critical to its workforce in the years ahead.

The CAW represents approximately 3,400 workers in three distinct bargaining units at CN – mechanical, clerical/intermodal and excavator operators; and one bargaining unit covering approximately 575 owner-operator truck drivers at CNTL. CN and CNTL reached tentative agreements with the union on Jan. 24, 2011. The new agreements will expire on Dec. 31, 2014.

UTU members ratify two FEC agreements

UTU members employed by Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) have ratified two new four-year agreements affecting wages, benefits and working conditions.

Conductors, engineers, trainmen and yardmen ratified their tentative agreement by a 75 percent plurality, while Florida East Coast yardmasters represented by the UTU were unanimous in ratifying their new agreement.
Both agreements are retroactive to Jan. 1, 2009, extend through Dec. 31, 2012, and include retroactive pay.

Pourney named president, CEO of Gross & Janes

Michael L. Pourney has been named president and chief executive officer of Gross & Janes Co., effective immediately. For the past ten years, Pourney served as chief executive officer of several manufacturing and professional services companies in the St. Louis area. He is a Certified Public Accountant.

Pourney will lead the company’s implementation of new strategic growth initiatives that compliment Gross & Jane’s base operations. The company is the industry leader in research and development of environmentally safe processes to treat railroad ties.

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