Fifth round of TIGER funding makes $474 million available
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has made $474 million available for the fifth round of the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program.
Intercity
Amtrak ratifies five-year agreement with SMART Transportation Division
Amtrak employees represented by United Transportation Union Sheet Metal, Air, Rail & Transportation workers (UTU-SMART) have ratified a five-year agreement with Amtrak management.
CHSRA settles agricultural lawsuit
The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA), the Madera County Farm Bureau, Merced County Farm Bureau, Chowchilla Water District, Preserve Our Heritage and the Fagundes parties have reached a settlement agreement.
Boardman says NEC facing investment crisis
The Northeast Corridor (NEC) is facing a “major coming investment crisis that, without a solution, will mean strangled growth and deteriorating service” for 260 million intercity and commuter rail passengers who rely on it each year, Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman said.
SANDAG, NCTD to install crossovers, perform maintenance along LOSSAN
On April 20 and 21 in Southern California, North County Transit District (NCTD)’s COASTER commuter rail service, Amtrak and BNSF will cease operations for track maintenance.
CHSRA unveils bid results for first phase of system construction
The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has identified Tutor Perini/Zachry/Parsons, a Joint Venture, as the best scoring team for the design-build contract to begin construction of the Madera to Fresno segment, the first section of the high-speed rail system.
President includes $77 billion for USDOT in proposed budget
President Obama released his fiscal year 2014 budget on April 10 and included $77 million for the U.S. Department of Transportation. The figure is six percent above the FY 2012 enacted levels and the administration says the budget provides immediate transportation investment in key areas.
CHSRA hires assistant chief program manager
The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) hired Scott Jarvis as assistant chief program manager. Jarvis, under the direction of Frank Vacca, CHSRA’s chief program manager, will provide oversight in the project delivery functions, transportation and commercial planning, right-of-way and environmental planning.
Amtrak continues ridership growth in 2013
Amtrak ridership increased in the first half of FY 2013 and March set a record as the single best month ever in Amtrak history. In addition, October, December and January each set individual monthly records.
FRA releases preliminary alternatives to upgrade NEC
The Federal Railroad Administration released the Northeast Corridor (NEC) Future Preliminary Alternatives Report. The report presents the process used to develop 15 Preliminary Alternatives that represent a wide range of possible futures for the NEC.
CHSRA receives high marks from federal watchdog audit
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) gave the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) high marks in each area studied for it’s most recent audit, including estimates of cost, revenue, ridership and economic impact analysis.
NCDOT names Worley Rail Division director
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) named Paul Worley director of the Rail Division.
Obama details Rebuild America Partnership plan at Port Miami
President Obama pushed his plan, the Rebuild America Partnership, to encourage private investment in public infrastructure while in Miami, Fla., touring Port Miami’s tunnel project, which provides a direct connection between the port and major highway.
Amtrak prepares EA to preserve location of possible future tunnel
Amtrak has prepared an Environmental Assessment for the construction of an underground concrete casing to preserve a right-of-way for the future expansion of rail service between New Jersey and New York.
Amtrak seeks more capital investment, less operating support for FY14
In its FY 2014 funding request to Congress, Amtrak is emphasizing the need for more federal capital investment to improve and expand intercity passenger rail, while requesting significantly less in federal operating support.
NNEPRA Board moves ahead with Amtrak Brunswick Layover
The Board of Directors of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) took steps toward the development of an indoor train layover facility in Brunswick, including the decision to award the design/build contract to Consigli Construction Company of Portland, Maine.
Arup hires two to regional transit
Arup, an engineering and consulting firm, hired Joseph Edge, P.E., associate principal, and Christopher Taylor, P.E., associate principal, to its regional transit division. They will be located in Arup’s New York office.
Pennsylvania, Amtrak reach agreement to save service
The state of Pennsylvania and Amtrak have reached an agreement on a new funding plan that will maintain rail passenger service between Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Philadelphia, Pa.
Schuster names new head of House T&I Committee communications team
U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) appointed Jim Billimoria to lead the committee’s communications and public relations efforts in the 113th Congress.
