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- Rail among "important arteries" of U.S. logistics, says LaHood
 Rail is one of the "important arteries" of the U.S. logistics network because "freight is the lifeblood that fuels our economy," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. In this blog, LaHood provides insights on the importance of a strong freight transportation network, the role that railroads play and how the recently signed transportation bill could help achieve economic development. FastLane.DOT.gov
(2/14)     
- AAR reports latest traffic results, consolidates commodity groups
The Association of American Railroads "has modified the weekly rail traffic chart" and consolidated the previous 20 carload categories into 10 commodity types. It reports that U.S. carload traffic of freight railroads dropped 2.3% in the week ending Feb. 9 versus year-ago levels, but intermodal climbed 7.7%. Of the 10 new product groups, petroleum shipments posted the highest growth among the six gainers, with a 65% increase. Transport Topics
(2/15), RailwayAge.com
(2/14)
- Sen. Lautenberg, champion of freight, passenger rail, to retire
Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., will again chair the Senate Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security Subcommittee. However, on Thursday he announced that he will not run again in 2014. Lautenberg is known as an advocate of freight rail, and was instrumental in having Amtrak's Northeast Corridor designated as a federally recognized HSR corridor. StreetsBlog.org
(2/14)
- GWI makes "important new additions" amid RailAmerica acquisition
Genesee & Wyoming's acquisition of RailAmerica prompted "important new additions" to the organization, and these are expected to provide long-term value for the company, said GWI President and CEO Jack Hellmann. Changes include a reorganization of the leadership structure. "From an operating standpoint, our planned new regional structure was rolled out to the railroads with our nine North American regions now run by a nice balance of six GWI senior vice presidents and three former RailAmerica senior vice presidents," said Hellmann. ProgressiveRailroading.com
(2/14)
| Infrastructure & Economic Spotlight | | |
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- Freight rail deserves funding as key part of Houston economy
 Freight rail is a major force in the Houston area, providing jobs, shipping goods and contributing to a "robust economic powerhouse," write the editors of the Houston Chronicle. However, 700 at-grade crossings in the vicinity cause some bottlenecks. The editors urge state legislators to fund the Rail Relocation and Improvement Fund to "optimize freight service" and "establish reliable passenger and commuter rail service." Houston Chronicle (tiered subscription model)
(2/15)
- CSX, NS support N.C. DOT for Piedmont Improvement Program
CSX and Norfolk Southern are partnering with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for the Piedmont Improvement Program, which aims to create grade separations between Charlotte and Raleigh. A $24 million rail bridge project in Durham, N.C., marked the start of the first project under the program. The program's benefits will include new jobs, improved safety and enhanced rail service, according to Federal Railroad Administration officials. ProgressiveRailroading.com
(2/14)
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