FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2020
Mike Friedberg Mike.Friedberg@hklaw.com
202-469-5131
(Washington, D.C.) – The Coalition for the Northeast Corridor (CNEC) today applauded the leadership by Members of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee on their release of their surface transportation reauthorization bill, the INVEST in America Act.
“We are very pleased that Chairman Peter DeFazio and the committee developed a comprehensive reauthorization proposal that helps address the myriad funding shortfalls across the Northeast Corridor. ” said Amit Bose, Chairman of CNEC. “As the nation grapples with ongoing economic and mobility challenges presented by the COVID-19 crisis, this proposed reauthorization delivers needed stability and improved long-term funding for rail projects, which will bring several projects along the Corridor to a State of Good Repair, rebuild its broader infrastructure, increase ridership, and provide much needed service to businesses and their employees across the region.” “In particular, we greatly appreciate the Chairman’s focus on both direct and indirect funding for rail, specifically for the NEC, and for the broader recognition of the role it plays in the national commuter and passenger rail network,” said Michael Friedberg, Executive Director of CNEC. “The INVEST in America Act provides increased funding for rail projects across the NEC, expanded eligibility for CRISI grants, and the inclusion of pre-construction activities—which represent major steps forward for the Corridor.”
“We look forward to working with the Chairman, Ranking Member, and Committee on moving this proposal through Congress,” added Friedberg.
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The Coalition for the Northeast Corridor (CNEC) is the business community’s voice for strengthening rail infrastructure in order to reduce congestion, create jobs and grow the economy. We represent diverse stakeholders who rely on the Corridor to conduct commerce, access customers, and transport employees.