"In May 1869, the final ‘golden spike’ was driven in Promontory Summit, Utah, symbolically completing the transcontinental railroad," said Berry. "This week, we mark the 140th anniversary of this significant historical achievement with a renewed commitment to rail as a vital part of our transportation future.  Arkansas, as part of the South Central High-Speed Rail Corridor, will play an important part in efforts to build a stronger national transportation system, helping to create jobs and increase opportunities for economic development in our state."

 

In 2008, Berry and Cohen co-sponsored an amendment to H.R. 6003, the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008, requiring the FRA to study the feasibility of expanding the corridor through Eastern Arkansas to Memphis, Tennessee.  The bill was signed into law on October 16, 2008 as part of H.R. 2095, the Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2008, which reauthorizes funding for the Federal Railroad Administration and Amtrak. 

 

Text of letter below:

 

 

May 4, 2009

 

The Honorable Karen Rae

Deputy Administrator

Federal Railroad Administration

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

Washington, DC 20590

 

Dear Administrator Rae,

 

            As you know, Congress has made a commitment to improve passenger rail service in this nation and we appreciate the Administration’s support for further investments in transportation infrastructure.  Strengthening our rail system and infrastructure can help enhance economic growth and job creation during these difficult economic times, as well as provide greater transportation choices for all Americans, including those in rural areas.

 

                Division B of P.L. 110-432, the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008, included several provisions requiring analyses for improving rail service and safety.  Specifically, Section 224(c) requires a feasibility analysis regarding the expansion of the South Central High-Speed Rail Corridor to Memphis, Tennessee.  This provision was added during House consideration of this legislation after adoption of an amendment that we co-sponsored.

 

                Due to the enhanced attention paid to the expansion of high-speed rail because of the critical investments provided in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, we urge you to act expeditiously to help move forward on completing this study.  Expansion of the South Central High-Speed Rail Corridor is of interest to the citizens of Arkansas and Tennessee and of vital importance to ensuring a viable high-speed rail corridor in the region.  We also request that, as part of this feasibility study, alternative routes from the current terminus at Little Rock, Arkansas be evaluated as feasible options for expanding the South Central High-Speed Rail Corridor.

 

                We commend efforts to improve and expand the transportation infrastructure of this nation, and support the investments being made to ensure increased access, safety, and mobility on our rail system.  Again, we urge your assistance in the expeditious development of options to expand high-speed rail service through the completion of this study.  If we may ever be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to let us know.

 

                                                            Sincerely,

 

 

______________________                                                    _______________________

MARION BERRY                                                                   STEVE COHEN

Member of Congress                                                                Member of Congress