MIPRC Chair Testifies Before U.S. Senate Transportation Committee

2/25/16

MIPRC Chair Tim Hoeffner was invited to give testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation on February 23 for a hearing on “Passenger Rail: Opportunities and Challenges for the National Network.”

Mr. Hoeffner explained current passenger rail service in the Midwest, plans for the future and the need for continued federal funding assistance to the states for passenger rail development.

“I would like to thank the members of this subcommittee and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for including a rail title for the first time in a transportation funding authorization,” Hoeffner said in his opening remarks, “The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act programs that address safety, capital and operations are critical for the states, as well as funding for the State-Supported Route Advisory Committee.  These all have laid the groundwork for the development of a truly multi-modal transportation system in our nation.  We must now take steps to ensure the programs outlined in the FAST Act are funded.”

Hoeffner’s testimony can be found here.

Further information on the hearing, including a webcast video and links to others’ testimony can be found on the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee’s website.