(The Associated Press circulated the following on August 6, 2009.)
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Work has been completed on the first of 21 Amtrak passenger railcars to be rebuilt under the federal stimulus program at an Indiana maintenance facility.
Amtrak’s president joined workers Thursday at its Beech Grove repair shop on the south side of Indianapolis to mark the car’s return to service.
Amtrak is using $19.3 million in stimulus money to rebuild the passenger cars, plus $13 million to rehabilitate 15 diesel locomotives. Amtrak says it has hired 108 people at the Beech Grove facility because of the additional work.
Amtrak President Joseph Boardman says the rebuilt equipment will add capacity as it is coming off a record year in ridership.