[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 58 (Thursday, April 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E623]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             H.R. 1132--THE SHORT LINE RAILROAD TAX CREDIT

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                         HON. VERNON J. EHLERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 22, 2010

  Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, I rise to urge the House to take up and 
pass H.R. 1132, which would extend the short line railroad tax credit 
as soon as possible. This credit creates immediate jobs, leverages 
significant amounts of private infrastructure investment and helps 
preserve much needed rail service to rural and small town America.
  This credit has produced significant results since its enactment in 
2004. Unfortunately the credit expired at the end of 2009. Nationally 
there are over 500 short line railroads operating 50,000 miles or 
nearly one quarter of the country's rail network. In my own state of 
Michigan, short lines operate 52 percent of the states total rail 
network and almost all of that is in areas no longer served by the 
large Class I railroads. The majority of Michigan's agricultural 
products that move by rail move by short line rail.
  Today's short lines are small businesses that saved the track the 
large national railroads would otherwise have abandoned. This tax 
credit has played a critical role in helping preserve this valuable 
transportation infrastructure. If we do not extend it soon, the 2010 
work season will be lost and with it we will lose a very cost efficient 
way to create jobs and rehabilitate our rail infrastructure.
  Currently, H.R. 1132 is co-sponsored by a bi-partisan majority of the 
House, 259 Members. Surely with that kind of support we can find a way 
to enact this legislation before it is too late to enjoy its benefits 
in 2010, a year in which Michigan desperately needs new jobs.

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