Sept. 28, 2008
Huntington/Charleston Bus Route Federally Funded
House Passes Separate Infrastructure/Transportation Legislation
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
[in part from Nick Rahall press releases]
Charleston, WV (HNN) – Would you hop on a shuttle taking you from Huntington to Charleston and back for the current cost of two gallons of gasoline? The project recently announced by West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin in cooperation with The Transit Authority and KRT has received 100% first year federal funding.
Funding comes from the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program oversee by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
After the first year, the state will have to provide 20% of the funds.
The proposed shuttle would leave Huntington's Pullman Square in the morning, stop at the Huntington Mall, a Putnam County location, and go to the State Capitol. A return trip would occur following the work day.
The House approved by a 264-158 vote Friday, Sept. 26 an economic stimulus package that allocates funds for government investment in improving the nation's aging transportation infrastructure components.
As a long-time member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I have led the fight to use infrastructure investment to revitalize the economy," said Nick Rahall (D-WV). The Congressman called West Virginia's needs "great" and opportunities abundant. " It is my hope that the Congress and the President can reach a quick agreement to help put these dollars into the economy to speed up a recovery."
The multi-billion dollar package, which President Bush has threatened to veto, Among the items contained in the stimulus package, which apparently now must compete with the Wall Street meltdown undergirding are: $12.8 billion for aging highways and bridges to improve safety and reduce congestion; $4.6 billion for expansion of public transportation; $5 billion for he Corps of Engineers to improve flood protection, navigation and hydropower; $600 million to reduce delays and improve safety at airports; $500 million to upgrade Amtrak tracks and stations; $3 billion for school repairs; $7.5 billion for drinking water and sewer projects including repair and rehabilitate systems over 50 years old; and an increase in the Federal percentage paid for Medicaid health costs to prevent cuts to low income children and families.
Finally, Rahall voiced strong support for a combination of bills that meld the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 2008 and the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008.
"With gas prices having topped $4 a gallon across the Nation, investing in passenger rail is an absolute must," said Rahall. "This bill would help create a safer rail industry, a safer rail workforce, and a safer transportation infrastructure for our Nation."
"Innovative projects, like the Heartland Corridor, are breathing new life into the railroad industry in West Virginia," continued Rahall. "Economic growth and increased trade have produced record traffic levels. At the same time, Amtrak, and other national commuter railroads are moving more passengers, placing added pressure and safety concerns on our rail system. This comprehensive legislation, which I cosponsored, authorizes funding needed to upgrade and rehabilitate our Nation's rail network and help meet the needs of rising ridership."
The Safety provision include one for a study on whether cell phones and other devices create disruptions in locomotive cabs, imposes a limit on worker 'limbo time,' and creates a NTSB office to assist families after railway disasters.
The Passenger Rail Investment authorizes $13.06 billion for passenger rail and requires Amtrak accounting and financial planning reforms as well as standards for service reliability, allows freight railroads be fined for delaying Amtrak trains, and requires station compliance with disability accessibility.
Share This Story:
Make HNN Your Homepage (IE Users Only)
Huntington/Charleston Bus Route Federally Funded
House Passes Separate Infrastructure/Transportation Legislation
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
[in part from Nick Rahall press releases]
Charleston, WV (HNN) – Would you hop on a shuttle taking you from Huntington to Charleston and back for the current cost of two gallons of gasoline? The project recently announced by West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin in cooperation with The Transit Authority and KRT has received 100% first year federal funding.
Funding comes from the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program oversee by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
After the first year, the state will have to provide 20% of the funds.
The proposed shuttle would leave Huntington's Pullman Square in the morning, stop at the Huntington Mall, a Putnam County location, and go to the State Capitol. A return trip would occur following the work day.
The House approved by a 264-158 vote Friday, Sept. 26 an economic stimulus package that allocates funds for government investment in improving the nation's aging transportation infrastructure components.
As a long-time member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I have led the fight to use infrastructure investment to revitalize the economy," said Nick Rahall (D-WV). The Congressman called West Virginia's needs "great" and opportunities abundant. " It is my hope that the Congress and the President can reach a quick agreement to help put these dollars into the economy to speed up a recovery."
The multi-billion dollar package, which President Bush has threatened to veto, Among the items contained in the stimulus package, which apparently now must compete with the Wall Street meltdown undergirding are: $12.8 billion for aging highways and bridges to improve safety and reduce congestion; $4.6 billion for expansion of public transportation; $5 billion for he Corps of Engineers to improve flood protection, navigation and hydropower; $600 million to reduce delays and improve safety at airports; $500 million to upgrade Amtrak tracks and stations; $3 billion for school repairs; $7.5 billion for drinking water and sewer projects including repair and rehabilitate systems over 50 years old; and an increase in the Federal percentage paid for Medicaid health costs to prevent cuts to low income children and families.
Finally, Rahall voiced strong support for a combination of bills that meld the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 2008 and the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008.
"With gas prices having topped $4 a gallon across the Nation, investing in passenger rail is an absolute must," said Rahall. "This bill would help create a safer rail industry, a safer rail workforce, and a safer transportation infrastructure for our Nation."
"Innovative projects, like the Heartland Corridor, are breathing new life into the railroad industry in West Virginia," continued Rahall. "Economic growth and increased trade have produced record traffic levels. At the same time, Amtrak, and other national commuter railroads are moving more passengers, placing added pressure and safety concerns on our rail system. This comprehensive legislation, which I cosponsored, authorizes funding needed to upgrade and rehabilitate our Nation's rail network and help meet the needs of rising ridership."
The Safety provision include one for a study on whether cell phones and other devices create disruptions in locomotive cabs, imposes a limit on worker 'limbo time,' and creates a NTSB office to assist families after railway disasters.
The Passenger Rail Investment authorizes $13.06 billion for passenger rail and requires Amtrak accounting and financial planning reforms as well as standards for service reliability, allows freight railroads be fined for delaying Amtrak trains, and requires station compliance with disability accessibility.
Share This Story:
Make HNN Your Homepage (IE Users Only)
