Smucker Supports Bipartisan Legislation to Invest in Rail Infrastructure

Press Release

Today, Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) announced the reintroduction of the Invest in American Railroads Act, H.R. 2474. The bipartisan legislation, which was introduced with Representatives Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH) and Chris Pappas (D-NH), makes critical improvements to the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program (RRIF) and unleashes billions of new investment in passenger, short line and regional rail.

"Access to a strong network of short line, regional and passenger rail service has strengthened economic growth and created high-paying jobs across my district," said Rep. Lloyd Smucker. "I am proud to join Rep. Kuster in working to reform existing rail financing programs which could unleash billions of dollars of investment in new rail services while ensuring that they are working to their fullest potential for the American taxpayer."

"Passenger rail has the potential to create endless opportunities for our Granite State communities and regional economy," said Rep. Kuster. "Bringing passenger rail to New Hampshire will spur economic competitiveness, keep Granite Staters from spending hours sitting in traffic, and ensure businesses in the Southern Tier and across New Hampshire can attract the best and brightest minds in the region. This legislation is a win-win for working families and our economy, and I urge my colleagues to support this effort to improve our national, regional, and local transportation infrastructure."

The RRIF program was created by Congress in 1998 to support the development of passenger and short line railroads by authorizing the Department of Transportation to issue funds to public or private entities for the purpose of rehabilitating or building new tracks, bridges, rail yards, and other support structures. However, the program is significantly underutilized. The Invest in American Railroads Act will enable states, local governments, and private groups to use RRIF to upgrade existing rail infrastructure and develop new lines and rail facilities. Rep. Smucker & Kuster previously introduced this legislation during the 116th Congress.

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