Commentary

(Preliminary) National Rail Plan from Federal Railroad Administration

Last Friday, the Federal Railroad Administration released a preliminary National Rail Plan as reported by Progressive Railroading.

“The Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA) directed the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to develop a Preliminary National Rail Plan (PNRP or Preliminary Plan) to address the rail needs of the Nation. The PRIIA also directed FRA to provide assistance to States in developing their State rail plans in order to ensure that the Federal long-range National Rail Plan is consistent with approved State rail plans. Subsequent to PRIIA, the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) sets the framework for the development of true high-speed rail in the United States. This Preliminary Plan is, therefore, an important first step in an ongoing process.”

The entire report from FRA is here.

For those following the discussion of rail, high(er) speed rail etc, this is a report worth taking a look at.

It is important to note that the report states:

“The role of public-private partnerships for these endeavors should also be explored. In this regard, FRA stands ready to work with all stakeholders who want to contribute to a comprehensive national rail plan that incorporates the needs of the States, the traveling public, the freight railroads and their customers, and promotes the National goal of a safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation system. Together, we can improve safety, foster livable communities, and improve the economic competitiveness of the United States.”