Congressman Rick Larsen's Online Office

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) joined Vice President Joe Biden, Jo Strang, Acting Federal Railroad Administrator and Members of Congress at Union Station in Washington, D.C. to announce $1.3 billion in Recovery Act grant funding to expand passenger rail capacity.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding will roughly double the size of Amtrak’s capital investment program over a two-year period.  Funds will be used to upgrade railroad assets and infrastructure and for capital projects that expand passenger rail service. 

Larsen’s remarks as prepared for delivery follow:

“Vice President Biden, my colleagues from the House and Senate, it’s an honor to join you here today to celebrate the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and its historic investment in Amtrak. 

“When Americans think Amtrak, they usually think of the Northeast corridor.  But Amtrak is critical for the West Coast as well:  it connects small towns to urban centers, links cities, states and provinces, and yes, Mr. Vice President, helps people get to work everyday. 

“As proof that Amtrak goes through more than one Washington, in Washington state we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of Amtrak Cascades passenger rail service.  Amtrak Cascades provides fast, reliable service along the I-5 corridor from Portland to Vancouver.

“Last year, this route carried more passengers than ever before –more than 774,000 people in total, a 14 percent increase over the previous year.  

“Amtrak Cascades service has grown to four daily round-trips between Portland and Seattle and one daily round-trip between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C.  This route is particularly important to my district in Northwest Washington, and I am working with Governor Chris Gregoire and the Canadian Government to get a second train up and running in time for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.

“Washington State ranks second, behind only California, in our state support for Amtrak.  Since 1999, we have invested $137 million in capital rail improvements to modernize trains, tracks and stations. 

“And with ridership expanding, investments in Amtrak are more important than ever. Economic Recovery funds will go to work in my state and across the country to create jobs, improve rail safety and make Amtrak more efficient.

“These dollars are just a down payment. With the strong support of President Obama and Vice President Biden, we can look forward to a more efficient and robust passenger rail system, which will decrease congestion on our highways and contribute to a cleaner environment for our children.

“Thank you again for inviting me to be here today.”

###