[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 74 (Friday, May 25, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E973-E974]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             COMMUNITY RAIL LINE RELOCATION ASSISTANCE ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                   HON. CHARLES W. ``CHIP'' PICKERING

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 25, 2001

  Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, as you know, there are many components to 
our transportation infrastructure upon which we all rely heavily. 
However, in many cities and towns across this great nation, the 
increased need for transportation infrastructure has caused some of our 
modes of transportation to conflict with the general function of the 
other. Throughout history as the United States expanded, much of the 
growth could be attributed to the rail lines. The railroad was the 
vital economic link for many communities. Therefore the railroads were 
often the focal point of many downtowns. Today, with an increased use 
in automobiles for surface transportation purposes, these rail lines 
have become quite problematic. However, this is no fault of the 
railroad. Railroads in this country still meet vital needs for both 
cargo and passenger transport. Many rail lines have divided downtown 
areas in half, while providing virtually no service to the downtown 
area. There are multiple dangers incurred when this happens. Rail 
disruptions like this have cut off essential services such as police, 
fire, ambulance and other medical services. Fatal accidents are 
occurring along improperly marked and located crossings. Also, many 
areas have been hampered economically by a rail line that has bisected 
a downtown area.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the railroads for their heavy 
investment in maintaining their lines. Again, these conflicts are no 
fault of the railroad, but have developed from changes that have 
erupted more rapidly than the railroads can adjust. In many cases, the 
road/rail conflict should not be corrected by cutting off or modifying 
a roadway. The best solution often is to relocate the railroad. My 
bill, the Community Rail Line Relocation Assistance Act would provide 
for this relocation. There are many situations in Mississippi where the 
railroads need to be moved. I am sure that this is true in many of your 
states, too. Railroads have the right of way and have no legal 
obligation to move. Therefore, my bill provides for a much needed 
solution. The railroads want to help solve these problems and foster 
good community relations with these towns that they serve. The 
Association of American Railroads and the Short Line and Regional 
Railroad Association support this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, my bill would authorize grants to fund rail relocation 
projects that mitigate the

[[Page E974]]

adverse effects of rail traffic on safety, vehicle traffic flow, or 
economic development; involving the vertical or lateral relocation of 
the rail line in lieu of the closing of a grade crossing or the 
relocation of a road; and provide at least as much benefit over the 
economic life of the project as the cost of the project. The Department 
of Transportation would fund 90 percent of the cost of these rail line 
relocation projects out of the general fund of the Treasury. The state 
or local government would be required to pay the remaining 10 percent, 
but would be allowed to cover this cost through appropriate in-kind 
contributions or dedicated private contributions.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to evaluate the needs of the 
communities in their states in relation to the location of rail lines 
and join me in cosponsoring this legislation.

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