Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008

Bill: 110-s-294
Sponsor: Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ]
Introduced: 2007-01-16 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Accounting
Administrative procedure
Airline passenger traffic
Alaska
Animals
Auditing
Authorization
Biological warfare
Bonds
Border patrols
Buy American
Canada
Capital investments
Chemical warfare
Collective bargaining
Commerce
Congress
Congressional reporting requirements
Consultants
Corporate finance
Corporation directors
Cost accounting
Crime and Law Enforcement
Customs administration
Department of Transportation
Disabled
District of Columbia
Dogs
Early retirement
Economics and Public Finance
Emergency Management
Emergency communication systems
Employee training
Environmental Protection
Evacuation of civilians
Explosives
Families
Federal advisory bodies
Federal aid to transportation
Finance and Financial Sector
Foreign Trade and International Finance
Freight
Government Operations and Politics
Government corporations
Government paperwork
Governmental investigations
Highspeed ground transportation
Housing and Community Development
Income tax
Infrastructure
Inspectors general
Interest
Intermodal transportation
Interstate compacts
Labor and Employment
Law
Leases
Legislation
Liability (Law)
Loans
Magnetic levitation vehicles
Maintenance and repair
Maryland
National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak)
New York City
Nuclear terrorism
Performance measurement
Planning-programming-budgeting
Police
Public-private partnerships
Railroad commuting traffic
Railroad employees
Railroad engineering
Railroad equipment
Railroad finance
Railroad freight operations
Railroad passenger traffic
Railroad retirement plans
Railroad safety
Railroad terminals
Rating of employees
Research and development
Right-of-way
Salaries
Science, Technology, Communications
Security measures
Severance pay
Stock repurchasing
Subsidies
Taxation
Telephone
Terrorism
Transportation and the disabled
Transportation of hazardous substances
Transportation planning
Transportation research
Tunnels
Victims
Whistle blowing

Summary:
action_date: 2007-01-16
text: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2007 - Authorizes appropriations for Amtrak for FY2007-FY2012.
 
Authorizes Amtrak to contract for the operation of an intercity rail service or route not included in the national rail passenger transportation system.
 
Requires Amtrak to: (1) implement a modern financial accounting and reporting system; (2) submit an annual budget and business plan and a five-year financial plan; (3) submit grant requests for specified authorizations of appropriations, including for its operating and capital grants and debt repayment; (4) develop and implement a standardized methodology for establishing and allocating the operating and capital costs among the states and Amtrak associated with trains operated on state supported routes.
 
Requires an independent auditor to develop and recommend objective methodologies for determining intercity passenger routes and services.
 
Provides for: (1) minimum standards for measuring performance and service; (2) investigations of substandard performance; (3) annual evaluations of the financial and operating performance of each long distance passenger rail route; (4) passenger rail service to be provided by alternate carriers on certain Amtrak routes; (5) a northeast corridor state-of-good-repair plan; and (6) restructuring Amtrak's indebtedness.
 
Authorizes: (1) grants to states for the capital costs of facilities and equipment necessary to provide or improve intercity passenger rail transportation; (2) a state to prepare and maintain a state rail plan.
 
Requires Amtrak to establish a Next Generation Corridor Equipment Pool Committee, comprised of representatives of Amtrak, the Federal Railroad Administration, and interested states.
 
Provides, in order to carry out all railroad safety laws, for eight safety offices for eight geographical regions.
 
Surface Transportation and Rail Security Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a task force to complete a vulnerability and risk assessment of freight and passenger rail transportation.
 
Provides for: (1) systemwide Amtrak security upgrade grants; (2) grants for fire and life-safety improvements to Amtrak tunnels on the Northeast Corridor; and (3) grants for freight and passenger rail security upgrades.
 
Provides funding for oversight of capital projects and management plans.
 
Requires a plan for addressing the needs of the families of passengers involved in any Amtrak intercity train rail passenger accident resulting in a loss of life.
 
Requires a railworker security training program.
 
Provides for whistleblower protection for rail security matters.
 
Requires rail carriers transporting hazardous materials to develop high hazard material security threat mitigation plans.
 
Encourages the equipping of rail cars transporting high hazard materials with wireless communications technology.
 

action_date: 2007-05-22
text: 
Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2007 - 
Title I: Authorizations - 
(Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2012 for: (1) Amtrak capital and operating grants, including capital grants to states; (2) the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA); (3) Amtrak repayment of long-term debt and capital leases; (4) payment into the Railroad Retirement Account that portion of Amtrak's Railroad Retirement Tier II Tax which exceeds the Tier II annuities paid to Amtrak retirees; and (5) the rail cooperative research program. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for: (1) grants to Amtrak and states participating in the Next Generation Corridor Train Equipment Pool Committee; and (2) Amtrak to evaluate improvements necessary to make all existing intercity rail stations readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.
 
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to withhold up to one-half of 1% of certain funds for the costs of project management oversight of capital projects carried out by Amtrak.
 
(Sec. 103) Authorizes appropriations for costs associated with Amtrak early buyouts.
 

Title II: Amtrak Reform and Operational Improvements - 
Amends federal transportation law to make certain Amtrak reforms and operational improvements.
 
(Sec. 201) Defines the national rail passenger transportation system as: (1) Amtrak's Boston-Washington Northeast Corridor; (2) high-speed corridors designated by the Secretary once they have been improved for high-speed service; (3) long-distance routes (of greater than 750 miles) operated on the date of enactment of this Act; and (4) short-distance routes operated by Amtrak or a non-Amtrak recipient of federal capital assistance.
 
Authorizes Amtrak and a state to agree on the operation of an intercity route or service not included in the national rail transportation system.
 
Declares that this Act does not preclude Amtrak from restoring, improving, or developing non-high-speed intercity passenger rail service.
 
(Sec. 202) Replaces the Amtrak Reform Board with a reconstituted Board of Directors of Amtrak, with revised composition requirements.
 
 (Sec. 203) Authorizes the Amtrak Board of Directors to employ an independent financial consultant with experience in railroad accounting to assist Amtrak in improving Amtrak's financial accounting and reporting system and practices.
 
Requires the Amtrak Board to: (1) implement a modern financial accounting and reporting system that will produce accurate and timely financial information; and (2) develop a five-year financial plan.
 
(Sec. 205) Directs the Secretary to establish substantive and procedural requirements for grant requests, including a 30-day approval process.
 
(Sec. 206) Directs the Amtrak Board to develop and implement methodologies for allocating train route operating and capital costs among states and Amtrak.
 
(Sec. 207) Directs the FRA to obtain the services of an independent auditor or consultant to develop and recommend objective methodologies for intercity passenger routes and services. Authorizes appropriations. 
 
(Sec. 208) Requires the FRA Administrator and Amtrak jointly to develop new or improve existing metrics and minimum standards for measuring the performance and service quality of intercity passenger train operations. 
 
 (Sec. 209) Authorizes the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to: (1) investigate the causes of any passenger train performance of under 80% for any two consecutive calendar quarters; (2) determine if delays or failure to achieve minimum standards can be attributed to a rail carrier's failure to prefer Amtrak over freight transportation; and (3) assess damages upon a host rail carrier for such delays or failures. Allows Amtrak, an intercity passenger rail operator, freight railroads that host Amtrak trains, or an entity (state) for which Amtrak operates intercity passenger rail service to petition the STB directly for an investigation of such delays or failures.
 
(Sec. 210) Requires Amtrak to evaluate the financial and operating performance of long distance passenger rail routes, and develop and publish a performance improvement plan.
 
 (Sec. 211) Directs the FRA to establish an alternative passenger rail service program under which a rail carrier or carriers that own a route over which Amtrak operates may petition FRA to become a passenger rail carrier for that route in lieu of Amtrak.
 
 (Sec. 212) Directs the Secretary to develop an employee transition assistance program for Amtrak employees adversely affected by the cessation of a long distance or any other route previously operated by Amtrak. Authorizes appropriations.
 
(Sec. 213) Requires Amtrak to develop a Northeast Corridor state-of-good-repair plan.
 
 (Sec. 214) Directs the Secretary to establish a Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Operations Advisory Commission and a Northeast Corridor Safety and Security Committee.
 
Requires Amtrak and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) to agree by no later than December 15, 2007, on access fees and other charges to be charged for RIDOT's operation of the South County commuter rail service on the Northeast Corridor between Providence and Wickford Junction, Rhode Island.
 
(Sec. 215) Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make agreements to restructure Amtrak's long-term debt and capital leases.
 
 (Sec. 216) Directs Amtrak to evaluate improvements necessary to make all existing intercity rail stations readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.
 
 (Sec. 217) Encourages the Amtrak Board to develop an incentive pay program for Amtrak management employees.
 
 (Sec. 218) Permits a state to make an agreement with Amtrak to use facilities and equipment of, or have services provided by, Amtrak under terms agreed to by the state and Amtrak to enable the state to utilize an entity other than Amtrak to provide services required for operation of the route. 
 
 (Sec. 219) Repeals Amtrak self-sufficiency requirements.
 
Authorizes the Secretary and other federal agencies to establish facilities and procedures to conduct preclearance of passengers on Amtrak trains entering the United States from Canada.
 
 (Sec. 220) Encourages Amtrak to increase its operation of trains funded by the private sector to minimize the need for federal subsidies.
 
(Sec. 221) Requires Amtrak to develop and implement a plan to improve on-board service.
 
(Sec. 222) Directs the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation (DOT) to assess progress made by Amtrak management and the DOT in implementing this Act.
 
(Sec. 223) Requires the FRA to conduct a study, and report the results to Congress, on the extent to which Amtrak could use biodiesel fuel blends to power its fleet of locomotives.
 

Title III: Intercity Passenger Rail Policy - 
(Sec. 301) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, meeting specified requirements, to an applicant state, group of states, Interstate Compact, or public agency to assist in financing the capital costs of facilities and equipment necessary to provide intercity passenger rail transportation.
 
(Sec. 302) Authorizes states to prepare and maintain a state rail plan that: (1) sets forth state policy involving freight and passenger rail transportation (including commuter rail operations); and (2) includes a long-range rail investment program. Requires the Secretary to prescribe procedures for the review of state rail plans.
 
(Sec. 303) Directs Amtrak to establish a Next Generation Corridor Equipment Pool Committee to design, develop specifications for, and procure standardized next-generation corridor equipment.
 
(Sec. 304) Sets forth additional duties of the FRA Administrator, including to provide assistance to states in developing state rail plans, and to develop a long-range national rail plan. Requires the Administrator to develop a schedule for achieving specific, measurable performance goals.
 
(Sec. 305) Directs the Secretary to establish a rail cooperative research program to address intercity rail passenger and freight rail services, including ways to expand the transportation of international trade traffic, enhance the efficiency of intermodal interchange at ports and other intermodal terminals, and increase availability of rail service for seasonal freight needs. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory board to recommend research, technology, and technology transfer activities related to rail passenger and freight transportation.
 

Title IV: Improved Rail Security - 
(Sec. 402) Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), DOT, and other appropriate agencies, to establish a task force to complete a risk assessment of freight and passenger rail transportation. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security, based on the assessment, to develop specific prioritized recommendations for improving rail security. Requires the development of plans for: (1) the federal government to provide adequate security support for freight and intercity passenger railroads at high threat levels of alert; (2) coordinating existing and planned rail security initiatives undertaken by the public and private sectors; and (3) the continued movement of freight and passengers in the event of an attack against the railroad system. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit to Congress a report containing the assessment, prioritized recommendations, and plans, including an estimate of the cost to implement such recommendations. Earmarks certain funds for FY2008 to carry out this section.
 
(Sec. 403) Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to make grants to Amtrak for certain systemwide security upgrades. Requires that the award of such grants be for projects contained in an approved systemwide security plan that includes measures to address security awareness, emergency response, and passenger evacuation training, and that is consistent with state security plans. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2010.
 
(Sec. 404) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to Amtrak for certain fire and life-safety improvements and infrastructure upgrades to Amtrak tunnels on the Northeast Corridor. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2011. Earmarks an amount for FY2008 for the preliminary design of options for a new tunnel on a different alignment to augment the capacity of the existing Baltimore tunnels. Prohibits the Secretary from making funds available to Amtrak for such upgrades until Amtrak has submitted, and the Secretary has approved, an engineering and financial plan and a project management plan.
 
(Sec. 405) Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to make grants to freight railroads, including the Alaska Railroad, Amtrak, hazardous materials offerers, universities and research centers, and state and local governments for certain freight and passenger for activities to prevent or respond to acts of terrorism or sabotage. Requires that the award of such grants be for projects contained in an approved systemwide security plan that includes measures to address security awareness, emergency response, and passenger evacuation training, and that is consistent with state security plans. Sets forth prioritized allocation requirements, limiting the award of grants for rail security upgrades to no more than $45 million to Amtrak and no more than $80 million for the security of the transportation of hazardous materials by rail. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2010.
 
(Sec. 406) Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, through the Under Secretary for Science and Technology and the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (TSA), to carry out a research and development (R&D) program to improve freight and intercity passenger rail security. Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to coordinate the R&D program with other R&D initiatives at the DHS and DOT. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2010.
 
(Sec. 407) Sets forth oversight requirements with respect to, and procedures for, the award of grants under this Act.
 
(Sec. 408) Directs Amtrak to submit to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Secretary, and the Secretary of Homeland Security a plan to address the needs of families of passengers involved in rail passenger accidents involving an Amtrak intercity train and resulting in a loss of life. Limits Amtrak's liability for damages in any action brought in a federal or state court arising out of its performance in preparing or providing a passenger list, or in providing information concerning a train reservation, unless such liability is caused by Amtrak's conduct. Earmarks amounts to Amtrak for FY2008 to carry out this section.
 
(Sec. 409) Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary, heads of other appropriate federal departments and agencies, and Amtrak to report to Congress on the current system for preclearance and screening of rail and airline passengers and baggage, as well as freight railroad traffic, between the United States and Canada, including progress on a rail passenger preclearance protocol.
 
(Sec. 410) Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and issue guidance for a rail worker security training program to prepare front-line workers for potential threat conditions. Requires rail carriers to: (1) develop a rail worker security training program based on such guidance and submit it for review by the Secretary of Homeland Security; and (2) not later than one year after such review, complete the training of all front-line workers.
 
(Sec. 411) Sets forth certain whistleblower protections for rail employees or other persons who have provided information regarding a reasonably perceived threat to security to the employer, federal government, or Congress who have refused to violate or assist in the violation of any regulation related to rail security or who have reported railroad security problems through an established process to the Secretary of Homeland Security.
 
(Sec. 412) Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to require rail carriers transporting high hazardous materials to develop high hazard material security risk mitigation plans containing appropriate measures (including alternative routing and temporary shipment suspension options) to address assessed risks to high consequence targets. Requires rail carriers transporting high hazardous materials on a right-of-way to institute such plans when the threat levels of the Homeland Security Advisory System are high or severe or specific intelligence of probable or imminent threats exist to: (1) a high-consequence target being within the catastrophic impact zone of the railroad right-of-way used to transport high hazardous material; or (2) rail infrastructure or operations being within the immediate vicinity of such target.
 
(Sec. 413) Sets forth civil penalties for violators of regulations prescribed or orders issued by the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to rail security.
 
(Sec. 414) Authorizes a rail police officer of one rail carrier to be temporarily assigned for duty to another rail carrier.
 
Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop model state legislation with respect to entities that do not provide rail transportation but claim to be rail carriers in order to establish and run a police force; and (2) make such legislation available to state governments.
 
(Sec. 415) Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a national plan for public outreach to increase awareness of measures that the general public, railroad passengers, and railroad employees can take to increase railroad system security.
 
(Sec. 416) Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a program to encourage the equipping of rail cars transporting high hazard materials with wireless communications technology. Earmarks certain funds for FY2008-FY2010 to carry out this section.
 
(Sec. 417) Requires certain reports received by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation under this Act to also be submitted to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
 
 
(Sec. 418) Authorizes appropriations to: (1) TSA for FY2008-FY2010 for rail security; and (2) DOT for FY2008-FY2011 for the whistleblower protection program and the Amtrak plan to assist families of passengers involved in rail passenger accidents.

action_date: 2007-10-30
text: 
Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2007 - 
Title I: Authorizations - 
(Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2007-FY2012 for: (1) Amtrak capital and operating grants, including capital grants to states; (2) the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA); (3) Amtrak repayment of long-term debt and capital leases; (4) payment into the Railroad Retirement Account that portion of Amtrak's Railroad Retirement Tier II Tax which exceeds the Tier II annuities paid to Amtrak retirees; and (5) the rail cooperative research program. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008 for: (1) grants to Amtrak and states participating in the Next Generation Corridor Train Equipment Pool Committee; and (2) Amtrak to evaluate improvements necessary to make all existing intercity rail stations readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.
 
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to withhold up to one-half of 1% of certain funds for the costs of project management oversight of capital projects carried out by Amtrak.
 
(Sec. 103) Authorizes appropriations for costs associated with Amtrak early buyouts.
 

Title II: Amtrak Reform and Operational Improvements - 
Amends federal transportation law to make certain Amtrak reforms and operational improvements.
 
(Sec. 201) Defines the national rail passenger transportation system as: (1) Amtrak's Boston-Washington Northeast Corridor; (2) high-speed corridors designated by the Secretary once they have been improved for high-speed service; (3) long-distance routes (of greater than 750 miles) operated on the date of enactment of this Act; and (4) short-distance routes operated by Amtrak or a non-Amtrak recipient of federal capital assistance.
 
Authorizes Amtrak and a state to agree on the operation of an intercity route or service not included in the national rail transportation system.
 
Declares that this Act does not preclude Amtrak from restoring, improving, or developing non-high-speed intercity passenger rail service.
 
Provides that: (1) the mission of Amtrak is to provide efficient and effective intercity passenger rail mobility consisting of high quality service that is trip-time competitive with other intercity travel options and that is consistent with certain goals; and (2) one of Amtrak's goals shall be to provide redundant or complimentary intercity transportation service to ensure mobility in a natural disaster or other times where travel options are not adequately available.
 
(Sec. 202) Replaces the Amtrak Reform Board with a reconstituted Board of Directors of Amtrak, with revised composition requirements.
 
 (Sec. 203) Authorizes the Amtrak Board of Directors to employ an independent financial consultant with experience in railroad accounting to assist Amtrak in improving Amtrak's financial accounting and reporting system and practices.
 
Requires the Amtrak Board to: (1) implement a modern financial accounting and reporting system; (2) submit to Congress each fiscal year through FY2012 a report that allocates Amtrak's revenues and costs to each of its routes and lines of business; and (3) develop a five-year financial plan.
 
(Sec. 205) Directs the Secretary to establish substantive and procedural requirements for grant requests, including a 30-day approval process.
 
(Sec. 206) Directs the Amtrak Board to develop and implement a single methodology for allocating train route operating and capital costs among states and Amtrak.
 
(Sec. 207) Directs the FRA to obtain the services of an independent auditor or consultant to develop and recommend objective methodologies for intercity passenger routes and services. Authorizes appropriations. 
 
(Sec. 208) Requires the FRA Administrator and Amtrak to jointly develop new or improve existing metrics and minimum standards for measuring the performance and service quality of intercity passenger train operations. 
 
 (Sec. 209) Authorizes the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to: (1) investigate the causes of any passenger train performance of under 80% for any two consecutive calendar quarters; (2) determine if delays or failure to achieve minimum standards can be attributed to a rail carrier's failure to prefer Amtrak over freight transportation; and (3) assess damages upon a host rail carrier for such delays or failures. Allows Amtrak, an intercity passenger rail operator, freight railroads that host Amtrak trains, or an entity (state) for which Amtrak operates intercity passenger rail service to petition the STB directly for an investigation of such delays or failures. Authorizes the STB to: (1) establish and collect fees from any entity that files a complaint or otherwise requests its services; and (2) increase the number of its employees by up to 15 for the five fiscal year period beginning with FY2008.
 
(Sec. 210) Requires Amtrak to evaluate the financial and operating performance of long distance passenger rail routes, and develop and publish a performance improvement plan.
 
(Sec. 210A) Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation (DOT) to submit to Congress a report on service delays on the Coast Starlight (between Seattle, Washington, and Los Angeles, California) and the Amtrak Cascades (between Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and Eugene, Oregon) rail routes and recommendations for improving the on-time performance of such routes.
 
 (Sec. 211) Directs the FRA to establish an alternative passenger rail service program under which a rail carrier or carriers that own a route over which Amtrak operates may petition FRA to become a passenger rail carrier for that route in lieu of Amtrak.
 
 (Sec. 212) Directs the Secretary to develop an employee transition assistance program for Amtrak employees adversely affected by the cessation of a long distance or any other route previously operated by Amtrak. Authorizes appropriations.
 
(Sec. 213) Requires Amtrak to develop a Northeast Corridor state-of-good-repair plan.
 
 (Sec. 214) Directs the Secretary to establish a Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Operations Advisory Commission and a Northeast Corridor Safety and Security Committee.
 
Requires Amtrak and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) to agree by no later than December 15, 2007, on access fees and other charges to be charged for RIDOT's operation of the South County commuter rail service on the Northeast Corridor between Providence and Wickford Junction, Rhode Island.
 
Directs Amtrak to conduct studies to determine the infrastructure and equipment improvements necessary to provide regular Acela service between Washington, D.C. and New York City and between New York City and Boston within specified periods of time.
 
(Sec. 215) Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make agreements to restructure Amtrak's long-term debt and capital leases.
 
 (Sec. 216) Directs Amtrak to evaluate improvements necessary to make all existing intercity rail stations readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.
 
 (Sec. 217) Encourages the Amtrak Board to develop an incentive pay program for Amtrak management employees.
 
 (Sec. 218) Permits a state to make an agreement with Amtrak to use facilities and equipment of, or have services provided by, Amtrak under terms agreed to by the state and Amtrak to enable the state to utilize an entity other than Amtrak to provide services required for operation of the route. 
 
 (Sec. 219) Repeals Amtrak self-sufficiency requirements.
 
Authorizes the Secretary and other federal agencies to establish facilities and procedures to conduct preclearance of passengers on Amtrak trains entering the United States from Canada.
 
 (Sec. 220) Encourages Amtrak to increase its operation of trains funded by, or in partnership with, the private sector to minimize the need for federal subsidies.
 
(Sec. 221) Requires Amtrak to develop and implement a plan to improve on-board service.
 
(Sec. 222) Directs the Inspector General of DOT to assess progress made by Amtrak management and the DOT in implementing this Act.
 
(Sec. 223) Requires the FRA to conduct a study, and report the results to Congress, on the extent to which Amtrak could use biodiesel fuel blends to power its fleet of locomotives.
 
(Sec. 224) Expresses the sense of the Senate that Amtrak should maintain a national passenger rail system that connects the continental United States from coast to coast and from border to border.
 
(Sec. 225) Requires the Comptroller General of the General Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study to determine the cost and benefits of expanding passenger rail service options in underserved communities.
 

Title III: Intercity Passenger Rail Policy - 
(Sec. 301) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants, meeting specified requirements, to an applicant state, group of states, Interstate Compact, or public agency to assist in financing the capital costs of facilities, infrastructure, and equipment necessary to provide intercity passenger rail transportation.
 
(Sec. 302) Authorizes states to prepare and maintain a state rail plan that: (1) sets forth state policy involving freight and passenger rail transportation (including commuter rail operations); and (2) includes a long-range rail investment program. Requires the Secretary to prescribe procedures for the review of state rail plans.
 
(Sec. 303) Directs Amtrak to establish a Next Generation Corridor Equipment Pool Committee to design, develop specifications for, and procure standardized next-generation corridor equipment.
 
(Sec. 304) Sets forth additional duties of the FRA Administrator, including to provide assistance to states in developing state rail plans, and to develop a long-range national rail plan. Requires the Administrator to develop a schedule for achieving specific, measurable performance goals.
 
(Sec. 305) Directs the Secretary to establish a rail cooperative research program to address intercity rail passenger and freight rail services, including ways to expand the transportation of international trade traffic, enhance the efficiency of intermodal interchange at ports and other intermodal terminals, and increase availability of rail service for seasonal freight needs. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory board to recommend research, technology, and technology transfer activities related to rail passenger and freight transportation.
 
(Sec. 306) Directs the Comptroller General to complete a study that compares the U.S. passenger rail system with the passenger rail systems in Canada, Germany, Great Britain, and Japan.
 

Title IV: Miscellaneous - 
(Sec. 401) Requires Amtrak to develop a strategic plan on expanded cross-border passenger rail service between the United States and Canada (Amtrak Cascades) during the 2010 Olympic Games. 
 


action_date: 2008-07-22
text: 
Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 - 
Title I: Authorizations
 - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2013 for: (1) Amtrak capital and operating grants, including capital grants to states, to the Amtrak Office of the Inspector General, and for accessibility improvements and barrier removal for individuals with disabilities; (2) Amtrak repayment of long-term debt and capital leases; and (3) the rail cooperative research program. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009 for grants to Amtrak and states participating in the Next Generation Corridor Train Equipment Pool Committee. 
 
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to withhold up to one-half of 1% of certain funds for the costs of project management oversight of capital projects carried out by Amtrak.
 
(Sec. 102) Authorizes appropriations for costs associated with Amtrak early buyouts.
 
(Sec. 104) Requires the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), working with Amtrak, the city of Baltimore, the state of Maryland, and non-Amtrak rail operators to: (1) approve a new rail tunnel alignment in Baltimore that will allow an increase in train speed and service reliability; and (2) ensure completion of the related environmental review process. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2013.
 
(Sec. 105) Bars the use of funds to employ unauthorized alien workers.
 
(Sec. 106) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to finance in part the capital and preventive maintenance projects included in its Capital Improvement Program. Conditions the availability of funds, in part, on assurance that each licensed wireless provider serving the public within the rail system has access to the system on an ongoing basis. Authorizes appropriations. 
 

Title II: Amtrak Reform and Operational Improvements
 - (Sec. 201) Amends federal transportation law to define the national rail passenger transportation system as: (1) Amtrak's Boston-Washington Northeast Corridor; (2) high-speed corridors designated by the Secretary once they have been improved for high-speed service; (3) long-distance routes (of greater than 750 miles) operated on the date of enactment of this Act; and (4) short-distance routes operated by Amtrak or a non-Amtrak recipient of federal capital assistance.
 
Authorizes Amtrak and a state, regional or local authority, or another person to agree on the operation of an intercity route or service not included in the national rail transportation system.
 
Declares that this Act does not preclude Amtrak from restoring, improving, or developing non-high-speed intercity passenger rail service.
 
(Sec. 202) Replaces the Amtrak Reform Board with a reconstituted Board of Directors of Amtrak, with revised composition requirements.
 
(Sec. 203) Authorizes the Amtrak Board of Directors to employ an independent financial consultant with experience in railroad accounting to assist Amtrak in improving Amtrak's financial accounting and reporting system and practices.
 
Requires the Amtrak Board to: (1) implement a modern financial accounting and reporting system; (2) submit to Congress each fiscal year through FY2013 a report that allocates Amtrak's revenues and costs to each of its routes and lines of business; and (3) develop a five-year financial plan.
 
(Sec. 205) Directs the Secretary to establish substantive and procedural requirements for grant requests, including a 30-day approval process.
 
(Sec. 206) Directs the Amtrak Board to develop and implement a single methodology for allocating train route operating and capital costs among states and Amtrak.
 
(Sec. 207) Requires the FRA Administrator and Amtrak to develop jointly new or improve existing metrics and minimum standards for measuring the performance and service quality of intercity passenger train operations. 
 
(Sec. 208) Requires Amtrak to develop a Northeast Corridor state-of-good-repair capital project spending plan.
 
(Sec. 209) Directs the Secretary to establish a Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Operations Advisory Commission. 
 
Directs Amtrak to determine the infrastructure and equipment improvements necessary to provide regular Acela service between Washington, DC, and New York City and between New York City and Boston within specified periods of time. Authorizes appropriations. 
 
(Sec. 210) Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make agreements to restructure Amtrak's long-term debt and capital leases.
 
(Sec. 211) Directs Amtrak to evaluate improvements necessary to make all existing intercity rail stations readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities by 2010. Requires the FRA to monitor and conduct periodic reviews of Amtrak's compliance in making its services and facilities accessible to such individuals.
 
(Sec. 213) Permits a state to make an agreement with Amtrak to use facilities and equipment of, or have services provided by, Amtrak, under terms agreed to by the state and Amtrak, to enable the state to utilize an entity other than Amtrak to provide services required for operation of the route. 
 
(Sec. 214) Repeals Amtrak self-sufficiency requirements.
 
(Sec. 215) Directs the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation (DOT) to assess progress made by Amtrak management and the DOT in implementing this Act.
 
(Sec. 216) Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to determine the cost and benefits of expanding passenger rail service options in underserved communities.
 
(Sec. 217) Authorizes the Secretary to make congestion grants to states, or to Amtrak in cooperation with states, for the capital costs of facilities and equipment for high priority rail corridor projects necessary to reduce congestion or facilitate ridership growth in intercity passenger rail transportation.
 
(Sec. 218) Requires Amtrak to submit to Congress a plan for restoring passenger rail service between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Sanford, Florida. Authorizes appropriations.
 
(Sec. 219) Directs the FRA to study and report to Congress on: (1) the extent to which Amtrak freight and passenger rail operations could use biofuel blends to power its fleet of locomotives; and (2) the feasibility of using biodegradable lubricants by Amtrak freight and passenger railroads. Authorizes appropriations.
 
(Sec. 221) Subjects Amtrak to Buy American requirements for purchases of $100,000 or more.
 
(Sec. 222) Directs the Inspector General of the DOT to: (1) develop metrics standards for evaluating the quality of performance and service of Amtrak intercity passenger rail services, including routes not currently served by Amtrak which might be able to support passenger rail service at a reasonable cost; (2) identify the five worst performing Amtrak routes; and (3) recommend to Congress a process for DOT to consider Amtrak and other proposals to serve underperforming routes and routes not currently served by Amtrak.
 
(Sec. 223) Directs the Amtrak Inspector General to report to Congress on Amtrak's utilization of its facilities, including the Beech Grove Repair facility in Indiana.
 
(Sec. 224) Directs the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to report to Congress on the effectiveness of preferring Amtrak service over freight transportation service.
 
(Sec. 225) Directs the Secretary to: (1) find ways to streamline compliance with specified National Historic Preservation Act requirements for federally-funded railroad infrastructure repair and improvement projects; and (2) take immediate action to cooperate with named Alaska and North Carolina entities in expediting the decisionmaking process for safety-related projects involving railroad and Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor property and facilities that have disputed historic significance.
 
(Sec. 226) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) expanded commuter rail service between New Haven, Connecticut, and Springfield, Massachusetts, is an important transportation priority; and (2) Amtrak should work cooperatively with the states of Connecticut and Massachusetts to enable such expanded service.
 
(Sec. 227) Directs Amtrak to evaluate for Congress the passenger rail service between Cornwells Heights, Pennsylvania, and New York City and between Princeton Junction, New Jersey, and New York City to determine whether to expand the service on such routes by increasing the frequency of stops or reducing commuter ticket prices.
 

Title III: Intercity Passenger Rail Policy
 - (Sec. 301) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to an applicant state, group of states, Interstate Compact, or public agency to assist in financing the capital costs of facilities, infrastructure, and equipment necessary to provide intercity passenger rail transportation.
 
(Sec. 302) Authorizes states to prepare and maintain a state rail plan that: (1) sets forth state policy involving freight and passenger rail transportation (including commuter rail operations); and (2) includes a long-range rail investment program. Requires the Secretary to prescribe procedures for the review of state rail plans.
 
(Sec. 303) Directs Amtrak to establish a Next Generation Corridor Equipment Pool Committee to design, develop specifications for, and procure standardized next-generation corridor equipment.
 
(Sec. 304) Directs the Secretary to establish a rail cooperative research program to address intercity rail passenger and freight rail services, including ways to expand the transportation of international trade traffic, enhance the efficiency of intermodal interchange at ports and other intermodal terminals, and increase availability of rail service for seasonal freight needs. Directs the Secretary to establish an advisory board to recommend research, technology, and technology transfer activities related to rail passenger and freight transportation.
 
(Sec. 305) Directs the Comptroller General to compare the U.S. passenger rail system with the passenger rail systems in Canada, Germany, Great Britain, France, China, Spain, and Japan and report findings to specified congressional committees.
 

Title IV: Commuter Rail Transit Enhancement
 - (Sec. 401) Authorizes a public transportation authority or rail carrier to submit disputes over trackage use and railroad rights-of-way to the STB for nonbinding mediation.
 
(Sec. 402) Requires Amtrak to engage in good faith discussions, with commuter rail entities and public transportation authorities operating on the same trackage owned by a rail carrier as Amtrak, with respect to: (1) the routing and timing of trains to most efficiently move, particularly during peak hours, the maximal number of commuters, intercity, and passenger rail passengers; and (2) the expansion and enhancement of commuter rail and regional rail public transportation service.
 

Title V: High Speed Rail
 - (Sec. 501) Directs the Secretary to establish a high-speed rail corridor program. Authorizes the Secretary to make competitive grants to a state, a group of states, an Interstate Compact, a public agency, or Amtrak to finance capital projects in high-speed rail corridors. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2013.
 
(Sec. 502) Directs the Secretary to: (1) solicit proposals for projects for an initial high-speed rail system between Washington, DC, and New York City (Northeast Corridor), as well as for additional projects on any other corridor; and (2) examine how to achieve maximum economic development of the Northeast Corridor. 
 
(Sec. 503) Directs the Secretary to conduct an alternatives analysis of the December 1, 1998, extension of the designation of the Southeast High-Speed Rail Corridor, including feasibility analyses of the expansion of the South Central High-Speed Rail Corridor to the Port of Houston, Texas, to Memphis, Tennessee, and south of San Antonio to a location in far south Texas to be chosen at the discretion of the Secretary.
 
(Sec. 504) Sets forth certain grant conditions for projects funded under this title, including collective bargaining requirements.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2008-07-23
text: Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendment to Senate bill and House requests a conference.
action_date: 2008-07-22
text: The Speaker appointed conferees - from the Committee on Science and Technology for consideration of secs. 105 and 305 of the Senate bill, and modifications committed to conference: Gordon, Wu, and Gingrey.
action_date: 2008-07-22
text: The Speaker appointed conferees - from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for consideration of the Senate bill and the House amendment, and modifications committed to conference: Oberstar, Brown, Corrine, Cummings, Capuano, Bishop (NY), Napolitano, Lipinski, Braley (IA), Arcuri, Mica, Petri, LaTourette, Brown (SC), Shuster, Diaz-Balart, M., and Westmoreland.
action_date: 2008-07-22
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2008-07-22
text: On motion that the House instruct conferees Agreed to by voice vote. (consideration: CR H6793)
action_date: 2008-07-22
text: The previous question was ordered without objection. (consideration: CR H6793)
action_date: 2008-07-22
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with 1 hour of debate on the Heller (NV) motion to instruct conferees on S. 294. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the managers on the part of the House to insist on the provisions contained in section 221 of the House amendment.
action_date: 2008-07-22
text: Mr. Heller moved that the House instruct conferees. (consideration: CR H6788)
action_date: 2008-07-22
text: On motion that the House insist upon its amendment, and request a conference Agreed to without objection. (consideration: CR H6788)
action_date: 2008-07-22
text: Mr. Oberstar asked unanimous consent that the House insist upon its amendment, and request a conference.
action_date: 2008-07-22
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2008-07-22
text: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6756-6770)
action_date: 2008-07-22
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H6756-6770)
action_date: 2008-07-22
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 294.
action_date: 2008-07-22
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H6756-6773, H6788-6793)
action_date: 2008-07-22
text: Mr. Oberstar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
action_date: 2007-11-01
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
action_date: 2007-10-31
text: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
action_date: 2007-10-31
text: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
action_date: 2007-10-31
text: Received in the House.
action_date: 2007-10-30
text: Passed Senate with amendments by Yea-Nay Vote. 70 - 22. Record Vote Number: 400. (text: CR S13551-13564)
action_date: 2007-10-30
text: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with amendments by Yea-Nay Vote. 70 - 22. Record Vote Number: 400.(text: CR S13551-13564)
action_date: 2007-10-30
text: Cloture on the bill invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 79 - 13. Record Vote Number: 398. (consideration: CR S13541; text: CR S13541)
action_date: 2007-10-30
text: Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S13536-13541, S13541-13567)
action_date: 2007-10-29
text: Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S13509-13512)
action_date: 2007-10-26
text: Cloture motion on the bill presented in Senate.
action_date: 2007-10-26
text: Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S13466-13469)
action_date: 2007-10-25
text: Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S13405-13428)
action_date: 2007-10-24
text: Committee reported amendments agreed to by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2007-10-24
text: Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S13323-13354; text of measure as reported in Senate: CR S13323-13344)
action_date: 2007-05-22
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 158.
action_date: 2007-05-22
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Inouye with amendments. With written report No. 110-67.
action_date: 2007-05-22
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Inouye with amendments. With written report No. 110-67.
action_date: 2007-04-25
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.
action_date: 2007-02-27
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 110-1064.
action_date: 2007-01-16
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S580-595)
action_date: 2007-01-16
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S579-580)
action_date: 2007-01-16
text: Introduced in Senate