posted
A recent news item about the new Federal Budget includes $1.05B for Amtrak in FY 04. I don't think this is a final number.
The funds would be held by the Secretary of Transportation (Mineta) instead of going straight to Amtrak. Amtrak would have to provide funding requests -- both for capital and operations -- to obtain the funds.
Posts: 874 | From: South Bay (LA County), Calif, USA | Registered: Aug 2000
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posted
its well within the Federal Government's powers to do so. IIRC they have the right to know where all of it's funding goes and that it is being spent on it's intended areas. You never know, it might help Amtrak cut down on any wasteful spending and if things are really bad, they could end up with even more money next year(I hope!)
Posts: 55 | From: Chelsea, MA, USA | Registered: Sep 2002
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posted
NARP reports that this figure, while less than requested, is not one that David Gunn says will lead to a shutdown. There's a bonus that Amtrak doesn't have to repay the $100 million loan from last year, which may effectively make this $1.15 billion, darn close to the $1.2 billion requested.
I'm still sorting out all the implications of the attached strings. But I'm wondering if the need to apply for funds through DOT will make it clearer where the money is really going. Long-distance trains may come out looking better as a result, but I'm just guessing at this point.
------------------ Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth. -Mr. Toy
posted
it might help cut out some of the pork from Amtrak's budget. I think that it may come down to who has the better accountants and or reasoning for alot of the routes. I also believe that this may be the end for the Sunset Limited and or the Cardinal. The Kentucky Cardinal and Pennsylvanian are gone as LD trains too so that might help with some of the expenses. I foresee good things happening, but only if Amtrak can convince Mr. Mineta.
Posts: 55 | From: Chelsea, MA, USA | Registered: Sep 2002
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