As the December 31, 2018 deadline approaches for freight, passenger, and commuter railroads to implement Positive Train Control (“PTC”), the Federal Railroad Administration (“FRA”) is reporting on the progress of individual railroads in complying with the mandate. In 2008, Congress passed the Rail Safety Improvement Act and mandated that certain railroads carrying passengers or hazardous … Continue Reading
The Northern Lights Express intercity rail proposal, connecting Minneapolis and Duluth, Minnesota with a stop in Superior, Wisconsin, advanced forward following a Finding of No Significant Impact (“FONSI”) from the Federal Railroad Administration (“FRA”). The FRA’s decision found that the proposed rail project would not have any significant environmental impacts and allows the project to … Continue Reading
President Trump recently appointed former Seyfarth Shaw LLP (“Seyfarth”) attorney Juan D. Reyes, III as Chief Counsel of the Federal Railroad Administration (“FRA”). Mr. Reyes was previously a partner in the real estate department of the New York City office of Seyfarth and he led the firm’s P3 practice. Proponents of P3s may be pleased … Continue Reading
State and local governments can now obtain railroad bridge inspection reports by making requests on the website of the Federal Railroad Administration (“FRA”). This new tool will help state and local governments gain better information regarding this important aspect of railroad safety in their communities. Access to the public version of bridge inspection reports is … Continue Reading
Last week, officials from Amtrak, Norfolk Southern and the Federal Railroad Administration and Indiana Governor Mike Pence gathered to celebrate commencement of construction on the Indiana Gateway Project. The $71.4 million project, funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will upgrade the rail line and right-of-way between Porter, Ind. and the Illinois state line. … Continue Reading
On May 14, the Federal Railroad Administration (“FRA”) posted a reminder that Buy America, a domestic preference law, applies to the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (“RRIF”) program. FRA posted the reminder because many potential RRIF loan and loan guarantee applicants are short line and regional freight railroads and may not be familiar with Buy America … Continue Reading
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood plans to name Karen J. Hedlund as Deputy Administrator at the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Hedlund moves to the Deputy Administrator position from her current role as Chief Counsel at FRA, replacing Karen Rae, who Gov. Cuomo recently appointed as New York State Deputy Transportation Secretary. Before moving … Continue Reading
The Federal Railroad Administration (“FRA”) recently published a progress report (PDF) presenting its ambitious vision for the congressionally-mandated National Rail Plan (“NRP”). The NRP is being developed as part of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008. The progress report builds upon the Preliminary National Rail Plan (PDF) submitted to Congress last year. … Continue Reading
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has asked Federal Highway Administration Chief Counsel Karen J. Hedlund to serve as Chief Counsel of the Federal Railroad Administration, effective June 29. Hedlund moves to FRA to help advance DOT’s new high-speed and intercity rail development program, one of the Obama Administration’s signature initiatives with more than … Continue Reading
