Senator’s bipartisan infrastructure law makes the strongest investment in passenger rail since the creation of Amtrak
WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema met with the Association of American Railroads to discuss solutions to rail safety issues. The Senator’s meeting follows the Norfolk Southern train derailment and subsequent environmental disaster in East Palestine, Ohio earlier this year that threatened the health and safety of the surrounding community.
“Many Arizonans rely on a safe and reliable rail system to get to work, receive the goods they need, and visit loved ones – so it’s important that they have confidence in our railways. We’re working with groups like the Association of American Railroads to give everyday Arizona families peace of mind while traveling,” said Sinema.
During the meeting, Sinema highlighted how her bipartisan infrastructure law – landmark legislation the Senator negotiated, wrote, and led through Congress – makes historic improvements to the safety, efficiency, and accessibility of American railroads.
Specifically, Sinema’s law makes the strongest investment in American public transit with $39.2 billion to expand transit systems, increase accessibility, and fund the nation’s transit system repair backlog, which is estimated at more than 5,000 rail cars and thousands of miles of track, signals, and power systems. Moreover, Sinema’s law makes the biggest investment in passenger rail since the creation of Amtrak, with $66 billion to improve existing routes and expand to new cities.
Founded in 1934, the Association of American Railroads is the world’s leading railroad policy, research, standard setting and technology organization that focuses on the safety and productivity of the U.S. freight rail industry.
###