The Bush Administration proposes legislation that would 'split Amtrak into operating and maintenance companies and open them to competition from outside contractors.'
"The Bush administration is proposing to scrap direct federal funding of Amtrak and turn over much of the responsibility for national passenger rail service to state governments....Currently, the nation's only city-to-city passenger railroad is a for-profit federal corporation that has never made money in its 30-year history. Amtrak has $4 billion in debt and says it needs $1.8 billion for capital projects next year." The plan entails "turning responsibility for Amtrak to the states gradually over a six-year period. Under the bill, states would forge regional coalitions to oversee train service and eventually would have the option of contracting service to private rail companies."Amtrak supporters assert that the change "would mean the end of much, if not all, intercity passenger rail, and "questioned whether financially strapped state governments could pick up the additional cost and said it might lead to endless bickering among states over scheduling."
Thanks to Connie Chung
FULL STORY: Bush team seeks funding changes at Amtrak

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

House Moves to Rescind California’s Emissions Standards
The state has been allowed to set its own emissions goals, including a mandate to transition to electric or zero-emissions vehicles by 2035.

Portland Proposal Would Suspend Development Fees to Spur Housing Construction
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson announced their policy plan Thursday, with the goal to jumpstart housing construction.

Honolulu Community College Celebrates Culture and Sustainability
Honolulu Community College brought together more than 320 students, staff, and community members for a day of Hawaiian cultural activities, music, and sustainability-focused learning at its annual Hoʻolauleʻa celebration.
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