The National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) released the following statement on June 16, 2021, in response to the Senate Commerce Committee markup of the Surface Transportation Investment Act (STIA).
"The NRC is encouraged that the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee has introduced and marked up its bipartisan Surface Transportation Investment Act (STIA) of 2021. This bipartisan bill is the result of extensive stakeholder engagement and careful negotiation. The NRC supports the bill and hopes to see it eventually signed into law.
"In particular, the NRC is very pleased to see discretionary funding levels increase for vital rail grant programs, specifically FRA CRISI grants and USDOT INFRA and RAISE/BUILD/TIGER grants. The bill does contain some additional regulatory oversight and restrictive provisions, but overall it is a balanced and reasonable bill. Notably, the bill did not include certain amendments that contained more burdensome provisions for rail contracting.
"The NRC’s legislative team and Policy and Legislative Committee (PLC) will remain actively engaged on the bill as it proceeds through the legislative process."
"Receiving the NRC scholarship was monumental to my success at the University of Connecticut both academically and professionally. Receiving this award has not only alleviated the financial burden of my education, but has also given me the confidence to pursue my goals. It’s incredibly inspiring to know that organizations like the NRC are willing to invest in the future of students like me. Their support has made a lasting impact on my college experience, and I’m deeply grateful to have been selected as a recipient."
Simmons Boardman PUblishing Corp.
University of Connecticut