(The News Journal posted the following article by Sean O’Sullivan on its website on February 3.)
WILMINGTON, Del. — Senators Tom Carper and Joe Biden want Congress to support a $42 billion plan they said would end battles over Amtrak funding and improve federal support of freight and passenger railroad projects.
The Delaware Democrats said the six-year plan would give rail infrastructure the level of federal support that highways and air transportation projects have enjoyed for years.
“The time has arrived … to say rail is an important part of our transportation system,” Carper said. He and Biden discussed the legislation at the Wilmington Amtrak station Monday.
The plan, called the American Railroad Revitalization Investment and Enhancement Act or ARRIVE-21, would get most of its money through a bond issue, private investment instead of tax dollars. A non-profit, public-private corporation would oversee the fund, Carper said. Amtrak, state governments and private rail freight companies could apply for grants to improve tracks, bridges and purchase new equipment.
Carper said money from the fund also could be used to improve freight rail lines to and from the Port of Wilmington, further helping the state economy by keeping the port competitive.
A stable Amtrak would be good for Delaware, said the senators and other local officials.
Amtrak has training and maintenance facilities in the state that employ about 1,100 people.
Carper said he hopes to attach ARRIVE-21 to a transportation bill that will be debated in the Senate this week.
State Rep. Roger P. Roy, R-Limestone Hills, supports the plan, saying it would be a real “shot in the arm” for Amtrak and other rail projects in the state. Roy said it is difficult for the state to pay for rail improvements and federal support would make projects, such as a Wilmington-to-Dover rail line, much easier to do.
Biden said the improvements would help national security by providing an alternative to airliners.
“Where would we have been on Sept. 11 without Amtrak?” he asked.
Customer support for Amtrak is strong, said Carper. Last year, Amtrak set a ridership record of 24 million passengers.
Amtrak passengers were mixed in their reaction to the plan.
Ron Stowe of New Castle said he would want assurances the money would be “put in the right place.”
“Is it going to be a real transportation system or not? I’d like to see a plan,” he said.
Margaret McAllister of New Castle said any additional funding to improve the system would be welcome. “I think it would be a good thing,” she said.