News Releases for May 2002
May 3, 2002
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Hoeven Calls On President, Congress To Fund Amtrak Service
BISMARCK, N.D. - Governor John Hoeven today forwarded 73 resolutions and letters in support of continued funding for Amtrak service to President Bush; North Dakota’s congressional delegation; the congressional leadership in both houses of Congress; the chairs and members of the U.S. House Transportation Committee; and the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee and Commerce Committee. Hoeven appealed to the President and lawmakers to support Amtrak’s funding request, now before Congress.
Ramsey County Commissioner Joe Belford spearheaded the effort to gather the letters and resolutions from cities and counties along Amtrak’s route in North Dakota and Minnesota.
“Amtrak service is a vital component to an integrated transportation system that serves as an economic lifeline for America’s heartland,” Hoeven said. “It also provides a necessary and economical alternative for the citizens of America who choose to travel by rail, rather than other modes of travel.”
Amtrak has seen a reduction in leisure travelers, and consequently revenues, owing in part to the national recession and in part to the expense of having to add additional security measures in the aftermath of September 11. The company expects a $285 million shortfall for 2002, which it will meet through deferring capital expenditures and reducing operating expenses. Amtrak has a plan to address its budget shortfall for this year, but the future remains a challenge, according to Hoeven.
“Our nation and North Dakota need a dependable, efficient, well-run rail system that serves the public in an affordable manner,” Hoeven said. “Amtrak service is vital to North Dakota and our nation. It connects Chicago to Seattle across the northern plains and is a link to much of the western United States.”
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