Continuing his mission to keep , U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall, D-WV, Vice Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, voted Tuesday for final passage of S. 294 — a bill to reauthorize funding for Amtrak for the next five years and reinvest in our Nation’s passenger rail system.

“With gas prices topping $4 a gallon across the Nation, investing in passenger rail is an absolute must,” said Rahall.  “This bill provides a long-overdue infusion of funding needed to upgrade and rehabilitate our Nation’s rail network to meet the needs of rising ridership.” 

Passenger rail service is a vital means of transportation and an important cog in America’s economic engine.  Amtrak reports that, in 2007, it set a new record for ridership, exceeding 25.8 million passengers, and generating more than $1.5 billion in ticket revenue -- an 11 percent increase from the previous year.

S. 294 is a companion to H.R. 6003, cosponsored by Rahall, which passed the House last May.  Like its companion, this bill authorizes $14.4 billion for Amtrak programs for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 to maintain and upgrade the entire rail network and help to pay for salaries, healthcare, overtime, fuel costs, and facilities. 

In the past, inconsistent federal support has hampered Amtrak’s ability to replace passenger cars, bridges, and other infrastructure and equipment necessary for Amtrak to provide safe and efficient service.  During his tenure in Congress, Rahall has repeatedly led efforts to restore the needed Federal investment in Amtrak, including Amtrak's Cardinal Line, which runs through southern West Virginia.

“Americans have always loved riding the rails and are turning to Amtrak in record numbers,” said Rahall.  “This legislation honors their historic role by investing in their future so that their rails, bridges, tracks, and infrastructure can continue to safely transport passengers for years to come.”