Amtrak requests 3.3B for FY 2023

[Amtrakfflyer]

The funny number game starts. The majority of grant request is for National Network. The first thing Gardner states is, this grant will allow us to continue running our long distance trains. In my opinion this is his end game, make the long distance trains look as bad as possible. He’s disingenuous and can’t be trusted from past experience.


“Our requested FY2023 annual grant will allow Amtrak to continue operating our long-distance trains, which connect communities across the nation; to continue partnering with states to provide short-distance corridor service; and to continue normalized replacement (necessary maintenance and sustainment) of aged assets on the Northeast Corridor, all while facing new levels of uncertainty and disruption from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic," Gardner said.


“Of the total grant request, $1.1 billion would be allocated to the Northeast Corridor and $2.2 billion to the National Network in FY2023”


https://www.progressiverailroading.com/amtrak/news/Amtrak-makes-33B-grant-request-for-FY2023--66338

 

[lordsigma]

What he said is a true statement. He also said to continue partnering with states to provide short-distance corridor service - implying that without the funding they can't do that either which is also true. The funding is required to operate both long distance trains and state supported service. The advanced appropriations they got from the IIJA are to be used for large capitol projects only not in lieu of annual funding. The annual appropriations are still critical for operations and for the regular year to year capitol work (such as all the equipment overhaul that needs to be done.) Obviously keeping an eye on Amtrak management to make sure they follow the law is important but the closer we get to the fully authorized annual amounts for both the NEC and network the better - I think he's playing to his politician audience here knowing that certain people on the hill care about LDTs (trying to get their votes for as much money as possible) than there is a nefarious intention. And they should go high as they know what they get will be less.

 

[PaTrainFan]

What he said is a true statement. He also said to continue partnering with states to provide short-distance corridor service - implying that without the funding they can't do that either which is also true. The funding is required to operate both long distance trains and state supported service. The advanced appropriations they got from the IIJA are to be used for large capitol projects only not in lieu of annual funding. The annual appropriations are still critical for operations and for the regular year to year capitol work (such as all the equipment overhaul that needs to be done.) Obviously keeping an eye on Amtrak management to make sure they follow the law is important but the closer we get to the fully authorized annual amounts for both the NEC and network the better - I think he's playing to his politician audience here knowing that certain people on the hill care about LDTs (trying to get their votes for as much money as possible) than there is a nefarious intention. And they should go high as they know what they get will be less.

Gardner can't be trusted, nor can most politicians. But is is also accurate that Amtrak trains through sparsely populated Western states is political and he can actually get support from both sides of the idle on this. Even some Republicans don't want to be seen by their constitutents as being responsible for losing Amtrak service through their small rural communities.