Hotline #775

The House approved H.R.2244, a $931-million summer-jobs package with $51 million for Amtrak, on a vote of 287-140, yesterday. That bill had been approved by the Appropriations Committee on May 24. Of the Amtrak money, $30 million is an operating grant to help cover the recession-induced revenue shortfall and $21 million is expected to continue the capital overhaul program in Indiana and Delaware at current levels through September 30. Senator Dole has expressed support for the bill and Senate action is likely soon after the Senate returns on June 7.

The energy tax was retained by the House yesterday, in approving H.R.2264, the budget reconciliation bill, on a 219-213 vote. There is considerable opposition to the energy tax in the Senate, and the razor-thin margin of approval in the House is not a good sign. For now, the Administration is sticking with it. Every NARP member should contact his or her Senator in support of the energy tax, which is the single-best feature of H.R.2264.

The House Energy and Commerce Transportation Subcommittee yesterday approved H.R.1919, the high-speed corridor authorization. The old text was replaced by an amendment of substitution, which mostly contained minor, technical corrections. The amendment did add a Buy America provision, specify funding amounts for the five fiscal years involved, and authorize NECIP for 1994 and 1995.

The Amtrak board met May 26. Robert Kiley, former chairman of the New York MTA, and Donald Pease, former House member from Ohio, formally became commuter slot board members this week. Year-to-date, Amtrak revenues are $27 million less than budget through April and expenses are $10 million lower, leaving a net budget loss of $17 million. The sale of the station in Lima, O., was approved to a private party for $30,000.

The Silver Meteor derailed in Opa-Locka, Fla., just north of Miami, the evening of May 21, injuring five slightly and causing $2 million in damage. Police made two arrests, of juveniles aged 12 and 13, who confessed to placing large objects on the tracks just to see what would happen.

Sheriff's deputies in Sussex County, Va., have made an arrest in the derailing of the Colonial last August near Newport News, Va., according to the FBI. The FBI said the suspect is a sailor on a Coast Guard cutter based at Portsmouth, Va., near the derailment site. The FBI is seeking a second suspect.

President Clinton has announced his intention to nominate Gordon Linton as Federal Transit Administrator. He is a Pennsylvania state legislator and member of the SEPTA board. He was instrumental in getting the first dedicated funding for transit in Pennsylvania in 1991.

The X2000 will be on display at Raleigh, N.C., tomorrow from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. On May 30, it leaves Raleigh at 8:00 am, passing through Selma at 8:45 am, Savannah at 2:45 pm, Jacksonville at 4:45 pm, and Orlando at 7:45 pm. It is on display at Orlando on May 31 from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. On June 1, it will make one round trip from Orlando to Lakeland, then go back to Lakeland and then to Tampa at 3:30 pm. On June 2, there will be one round trip from Tampa to Lakeland and one to Auburndale. On June 3, one round trip will go to Lakeland. On June 4, it will leave Tampa at 7:30 am, call at Okeechobee at 9:30 am, be on display at West Palm Beach fro 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, arrive Miami at 2:30 pm. On June 5, a round trip will go to Fort Lauderdale airport station, with display from 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm. On June 6, it is on display at the Miami Arena from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The New York MTA last month announced a trial program to distribute Braille subway maps to its blind customers.