Number
050090
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. BAUMAN
Title
Substitute resolution expressing the City of Milwaukee's support for U.S. House Bill 1631, the Rail Infrastructure Development and Expansion Act for the 21st Century.
Analysis
This resolution expresses the City of Milwaukee's support for U.S. House Bill 1631, the Rail Infrastructure Development and Expansion Act for the 21st Century. House Bill 1631 provides $60 billion in federal funding to improve and expand the nation's railroad infrastructure and to develop one or more high-speed rail systems in the United States. This resolution also authorizes and directs the Intergovernmental Relations Division-Department of Administration to lobby for passage of H.R. 1631.
Body
Whereas, In 2004, Amtrak, the national passenger rail system, carried a record 25.1 million passengers, a 4.3% increase over 2003; and
Whereas, Passenger rail travel provides Americans of all income levels, living in both rural and urban areas, with an alternative to travel by automobile or airplane, both of which have become heavily congested modes of transport; and
Whereas, Amtrak currently serves Milwaukee with 16 trains daily and is a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers visiting this city, as well as for Milwaukee residents traveling to Chicago and other destinations; and
Whereas, While passenger rail travel has been growing in popularity, investment in the nation's passenger rail infrastructure has not kept pace with demand or with the need for modernization; and
Whereas, Although Amtrak has indicated that it needs at least $1.8 billion annually for safe and efficient operation of the railroad, the federal budget provided only $1.2 billion for fiscal years 2004 and 2005, and President Bush has proposed zero funding for Amtrak for fiscal year 2006; and
Whereas, An efficient, affordable, comfortable and extensive passenger rail system has the potential to reduce, ...
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