US Freight Rail Investment: GoRail’s Call for Reauthorization

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Introduction

Leaders from 48 states and the District of Columbia are advocating for increased investment in freight rail as Congress prepares the surface transportation reauthorization bill. The group, coordinated by GoRail, is urging the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee to consider the significance of freight-rail systems in the U.S. economy. The current law, the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act of 2021, is set to expire on Sept. 30, 2026.

Call for Investment

The collective letter, organized by GoRail, calls on federal lawmakers to prioritize freight rail in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill. The initiative aims to highlight the essential role of freight-rail systems within the national economy.

Signatories

The letter was endorsed by a diverse group of leaders. Signatories include state legislators, mayors, county commissioners, business leaders, economic development officials, and former U.S. transportation secretaries.

Legislative Context

The federal legislation on surface transportation programs is up for reauthorization. The Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act of 2021 is the existing law and it is scheduled to expire on Sept. 30, 2026. The group is asking for this reauthorization to include more freight rail funding.

Conclusion

GoRail coordinated a letter signed by leaders from 48 states and the District of Columbia, urging Congress to prioritize investment in freight rail during the surface transportation reauthorization process. The letter, endorsed by various officials, emphasizes the importance of freight-rail systems. The current law, the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act of 2021, is due to expire on Sept. 30, 2026.

Company Summary

GoRail: A national nonprofit organization that coordinated the group letter advocating for increased investment in freight rail.

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