Possible federal aid puts cuts to Amtrak in limbo
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By Peter Hirschfeld Vermont Press Bureau - Published: January 29, 2009
MONTPELIER — A final decision on the future of Rutland's train service could be weeks away as lawmakers await more information about the federal stimulus package.
Administration officials had hoped to proceed with cuts to Amtrak. But Rep. Rich Westman, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, said he wants to learn more about how federal recovery funds could be used for the state's western rail corridor before he puts the issue to a vote.
"Our delegation is trying to get the state match lifted on earmarks for rail we got in the last reauthorization," said Westman. "How that all works out could have a real impact on what we do here, and I'm reluctant to make any decisions before we have all the information."
Westman said he didn't expect a resolution on outstanding stimulus issues until at least mid-February. The outcome of that process, he said, could substantially change the nature of the Amtrak conversation.
Westman suggested Wednesday that provisions in the stimulus package might allow the state to expedite scheduled improvements along the western corridor, enabling an expansion of the Ethan Allen Express northward to Burlington.
"If they lifted the match requirement, we could use that to speed up construction between Burlington and Rutland," Westman said. "In my opinion, if this train went to Burlington, we wouldn't be having this conversation about whether to cut it."
The House Transportation Committee convened its second public hearing on the Amtrak cuts Wednesday, this time for fellow lawmakers and lobbyists who did not speak at the first public hearing held last week.
Legislators called on fellow members to rebuff the administration's plan.
"There's not a lot going well in Rutland. Our downtown is empty, we have problems of drugs running rampant through neighborhoods," said Rep. Steve Howard, a Rutland Democrat. "This is a beacon of hope. We are pegging our future on this train."
Rutland City Republican Peter Fagan said even the specter of the proposed Amtrak cut has had an impact on economic development. A condominium project slated for the old Sunshine food store lot has been placed on hold, pending the outcome of the Amtrak negotiations, according to Fagan.
"That's an economic driver the city would like to take advantage of," Fagan told the House Transportation Committee. "If the train is funded, they'll continue on. If the train is not funded, that project is in doubt."
The Douglas administration has proposed eliminating train service in Rutland and replacing it with an Amtrak-operated bus route. The move, proposed in the wake of downgraded revenue forecasts, would save the state about $245,000 in the current fiscal year and another $1.4 million in fiscal year 2010, according to Agency of Transportation estimates.
Robert Ide, head of the agency's rail division, said the longer the state waits to amend its contract with Amtrak the less it will save from the conversion to bus service. While the state is eager to move forward, he said, agency officials probably will wait for legislative approval.
"We probably are not going to ask Amtrak (to) alter the contract without your concurrence," Ide told the committee.
Agency of Transportation spokesman John Zicconi said the agency has received a legal opinion indicating they can move forward with the cuts without legislative approval. But he emphasized the agency is "looking for concurrence from Legislature."
The House Transportation committee will visit the Amtrak station in Albany, N.Y., in mid-February to tour the station and ride the rails to Rutland. Westman said the trip will give his committee a better sense of what the administration's proposal could mean for passenger rail clients.
Contact Peter Hirschfeld at peter.hirschfeld@rutlandherald.com.
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