Rail News December 2007 /January 2008

www.AllAboardWashington.org

Publication of All Aboard Washington A Not ---for-forforfor----profitprofit Consumer Organization “Moving forward...On Rail ."."."

Aubrey Davis and Ed Barnes, long time rail ridership and revenue: supporters, honored by All Aboard Washington another record year; At its annual membership meeting to the future. 2008 funding still in flux on Nov. 10 at the state History Mu- When serving on the Transportation Amtrak ended fiscal year 2007 on seum in Tacoma over 50 members of Commission in the early 90s Davis Sept. 30 with its fifth straight year of ri - All Aboard Washington honored two of asked Gil Mallery, then the head of the dership increases, carrying the most our state’s biggest advocates for rail DOT Rail Office and recently retire d passengers in the railroad’s 36 year transportation, particularly passenger from Amtrak, how much could DOT history. The company carried rail service: Aubrey Davis of Mercer spend on passenger rail in the state. 25,847,531 passengers, up over 6.3% Island and Ed Barnes of Vancouver. Mallery’s analysis produced a figure of from 2006. Aubrey Davis, now in his ninth dec- $43 mill. The Commission put it in their Ticket revenues in FY2007 also ade, has been involved in public trans- budget proposal to the Legislature. reached a new record: $1.5 bill., an portation for many years. He has With the strong support of the late Ruth 11% increase over the $1.37 recorded served as mayor of Mercer Island, was Fisher and other legislators, the fund- in 2006. Including income from contract the Northwest regional administrator for ing was approved and the Amtrak Cas- services (for instance , Amtrak main- the Urban Mass Transit Administration cades were born. It was Mallery that tains Sounder equipment in ), (predecessor of today’s Federal Transit really got the state rail program going. the company’s total revenue in 2007 Administration) and served on the state Davis said Mallery had many ideas on was $2.2 bill. Transportation Commission. In his in- service and improvements that could "Highway and airway congestion, troduction of Davis, Lloyd Flem noted be made. We’ve taken several steps in volatile fuel prices, increasing environ - that you don’t hear him talking much implementing Gil’s vision with reduced mental awareness and a need for about the past; Davis is always looking travel times, additional frequencies transportation links between growing south of Seattle communities are some of the factors and restored that make intercity passenger rail ex - service north of tremely relevant in today's world," said Seattle. Davis Amtrak President Alex Kummant. "Our praised Ed record setting ridership and ticket reve - Barnes’s ser- nue in FY07 indicate the stage is set vice on the for Amtrak to take on a role as not only Transportation a contributor to the nation's transporta - Commission tion network, but as a leader among and his strong modes," he added. support for rail Accor ding to the Travel Industry As - Left photo: Aubrey Davis, center, with Tony Trifiletti, left, and service. sociation of America’s latest report , de- Lloyd Flem. The plaque presented to Aubrey by All Aboard Though not mand for the rail option is now growing Washington states : All Aboard Washington extends its prefect, Davis faster than air passenger boarding s appreciation to Aubrey Davis. Your decades of leadership and motor fuel use. This despite con- in Washington State have e nsured that passenger and supported the freight rail are key components of multimodal Sound Transit/ strained capacity in many markets due transportation operations. Your legacy – the single most Regional to limited frequencies and not enough important Washingtonian in bringing modern rail service to Transportation passenger cars. our state – provides an ongoing inspiration for 21 st century Improvement In the Northwest, here are the rider - leaders . Tacoma, Washington November 10, 2007 District’s Prop- ship and revenue figures for FY2007 Right Photo: Ed Barnes, left, with Lloyd Flem. Ed’s plaque osition 1. “The for our Amtrak (percentage presented by All Aboard Washington states: All Aboard only perfect change from 2006 in parenthesis). • Washington extends its appreciation to Ed Barnes. During plan is to do Cascades: 674,153 (+7.4%); your twelve years of service on the Washingto n nothing,” he $18, 165,351 (+9.9%) Transportation Commission you were a tireless advocate stated. We • : 504,977 (+1.6%); for modern passenger service. Planners and need to change $53,177,760 (+ 9.2%) passengers alike are forever in your debt as a true public the way we pay (See Record Year, page 6) servant. Tacoma, Washington November 10, 2007 (See Honor, p. 4) Photo by Jim Hamre page 2 to our big -little brothers in Montana, our ☯☯☯☯☯☯☯ From the desk of friends in and now, Idaho, too!) Congratu lations to AAWA Board mem - the Government Thanks to elected officials and other bers George Barner of Olympia and Affairs Director community leaders in many parts of our Louis Musso of Cle Elum. In the recent bybyby state who have worked for and sup - November election George won a posi - ported passenger rail. (OK, call me tion on the Port of Olympia commis - Lloyd H. Flem provincial, but leaders in my own sion, where the role of rail serving the Olympia, Lacey and Thurston County Port will now certainly retain a strong Thanksgiving and Christmas have been and remain among the best! posit ion. Louis was significantly re - Holiday Blessings; Congratulations; See below.) Kudos to Dryside advo- sponsible for the successful vote to "Cooperate, Guys, It's a Good cates like Jim Neal and new Leaven - create Washington's first county rail Storm!" worth Mayor Rob Eaton (AAWA activ - district in Kittitas County. Also congra - At this Thanksgiving and upcoming ists) who continue to lead the way for tulations to Olympia Mayor Mark Christmas holiday season, it is appro- more rail in Central Washington. And Foutch, who will be retiring from that priate to list some things about which thanks to Chuck Mott and other AAWA position after 16 years on the city we Washington state passenger rail members who are leaders in the im - council and four years as the Capital advocates should be thankful. portant effort to preserve rail service in City's mayor. AAWA member Mark has We have SOME passenger trains, Metro Seattle's Eastside suburbs. served as the most pro -rail member of intercity, commuter and light rail (thriv- Thanks to you loyal members of the most pro -rail city council in our ing in Tacoma and pending from Seat- WashARP, now All Aboard Washing - state. (Doubt it? Were the rest of the tle to SeaTac.) For these trains let us ton, many of whom have hung in there state to have the same per capita ratio again thank past and present enligh- for two decades or more as we slowly of members as from Olympia an d La- tened members of our Washington make progress as one America's most cey, we would be about ten times State Legislature (special thanks to the respected independent rail advoca cy larger than at present.) late Ruth Fisher!), past and present organizations. Also, thanks to those ☯☯☯☯☯☯☯ members of our Washington State members who make tangible, as well Opinion pieces from recent profes - Transportation Commission sional rail periodicals plead (two, Aubrey Davis and Ed Thanks to you loyal members of the case that all rail interests Barnes, we properly honored WashARP, now All Aboard have much in common and at our annual meeting in Ta- should be cooperating coma on Nov. 10), most of Washington, many of whom have hung closely for the good of all in - our governors in recent in there for two decades or more as we volved in the rail mode. I may years, and other vital state slowly make progress as one add, should be cooperating officials such as Ralph closely for the good of North Munro and Sid Morrison. In America's most respected independent America and its citizens, addition, thanks to many past rail advocacy organizations. economically, environmen - WSDOT people. Men like tally and socially. Rail owner - Jim Toohey, Jim Slakey, Gil Mallery, as time and energy contributions to our ship, management and labor will all and Ray Allred. And sincere thanks to cause. Among those are Bob and Hope benefit from working together rather the talented and dedicated folks now in Stevens of Helena , Montana (Yes, than exhuming old or exaggerating new the state Rail Office, nationally seen as Montana again!) whose Fanwood problems. (This does not mean rail la - one of our country's best. Foundation makes a most generous bor should not be treated with the Thanks to those at Amtrak and annual do nation to All Aboard greatest respect, management should Sound Transit who view their work as a Washington. not seek to decrease the role of obso - mission, not just a job. I believe most of On a personal level, Loren Herrig- lete steam -era work rules, or there our rail employees are of that quality. stad, Jim Hamre and other South shouldn't be caution about the latest So thanks, rail people, management Sound AAWA regulars have been par - hustles by "hedge fund" investors and and labor. We can also be pleased that ticularly helpful, as I have experienced others whose interests are just in over - the state, Amtrak, Sound Transit and physical mobility challenges in recent night profits rather than investments BNSF have cooperative relationships years. Most of all, I want to offer thanks that bring long -term benefits to share- that have evolved into what this Old to one Darleen K . Flem. Upon our initial holders and the larger economy as Prof would grade a solid B, considera- meeting in the Fall of 1990, Darleen well.) bly better than what similar relation- said, "Passenger trains are my favorite Rail management should be more ships in many other parts of the US mode of travel." As well as her other interested in this kind of cooperation for have endured. virtues, that statement helped lead me their own and the rail mode's benefit Thanks to most of our Congres- to say "I do" at and rather than some morbid fear than sional delegation, which have consis- to an Amtrak honeymoo n on February somehow, some way another railroad tently supported preserving and in- 6, 1992. Darleen's devotion to passen - company might benefit just a little from creasing federal funding for rail for our ger trains and to me and my work has some public policy, even when their state and country. They constitute been and is a priceless asset and has own company benefits as well! W hat is among the best pro-passenger-rail del- contributed greatly to forwarding the not needed is, “We’d rather al l that egations west of Illinois. (Thanks also, rail advances which I have helped to (See Flem, page 4) accomplish in the last sixteen years. page 3 Given that I was the spokesperson lution. The View in this newsletter for voting YES on They are a lot closer to that than Proposition 1, I can say that I am dis - you think, but not quite there. Down the appointed at the outcome. I would say Tracks Where to look… that I’m more disappointed in that what for the answer. ======took the day was the attitude of the Now that those who voted NO on with Jim Cusick “w inners.” It was as though the most Proposition 1 have succeeded in vocal opponents were voting for the Reduce Congestion Now! breathing life back into the campaigns Seattle -area-Status-Quo. Process of Tim Eyman, Kemper Freeman and Now that the people have spoken, Even those in government, accused Jim Horn, the way to deal wi th this is it’s time to step up and bring all the of always looking to keep their jobs by not with fire, garlic, or a wooden stake, better plans to light. making sure things don’t change, ap - but simply the TRUTH. I am recommending everyone go peared to be the strident progressives. I’m not talking about a version of the out now and support Kemper Free- We have met the enemy, and they “truth” as told by anyone with an man’s plan to solve our mobility crisis. are us. agenda, which includes All Aboard During the I-405 Corridor Program it After the outcome of the election, Washington, certain politicians past was presented as “Reduce Congestion statements were made that our elected and present, activist groups, or any Now.” officials should go back to the drawing others. Although the municipalities along board and come up with a better plan Where do you go for the “ truth”? the corridor rejected his plan early in (whatever that might be), since, after It’s all public record. the study he stayed with his conviction. all, it is THEIR JOB. You start with the Environmental Towards the end of the program Having watched and participated in Impact Statement for any given project Alternative 3, adding two general- the process and along with all the other and you work from there. You look at purpose lanes in each direction and in- volunteers who contributed their time the supporting documentation. You at - creasing bus transit, was being fina- (and even the ones paid to attend), I tend public meetings. You attend public lized. At one of these meetings Kemper can say that enough is enough. open houses. You ask ques- thought that it was important tions. You listen to others to explore the roads-only Now that those who voted NO on ask questions and listen to solution more fully. When he Proposition 1 have succeeded in the answers. You do said this I spoke up in research. agreement. breathing life back into the campaigns Even if a political agenda At this point Peter Hurley of Tim Eyman, Kemper Freeman and is being pushed, you won’t from Transportation Choices find explicit LIES. These are Coalition looked at me as Jim Horn , the way to deal with this is documents of record. No one though I had just grown not with fire, garlic, or a wooden stake , can put bad data in them another head. What Peter but simply the TRUTH. without fea r of it being ex- didn’t understand was that I posed upon further scrutiny. knew when a full and complete roads- I could see that although it was not The data speaks for itself. only solution is developed, it will be- perfect, the plan was a good compro - come very apparent why planners mise. At first, I figured that tying RTID Who speaks for… come to the conclusion that rail transit to ST2 would be the proverbial alba - the Data? is the best long-term solution. tross around the neck for ST2. Once I Just after the election, KIRO -710’s This is why I honestly think that the looked at the plan, I realized that: Frank Shiers interviewed former State solution being proposed by the East- • No, it didn’t include putting com- Senator Jim Horn. They spoke of the side Transportation Association in re- muter rail on the Woodinville shortcomings of Proposition 1, which sponse to the failure of Proposition 1, Subdivision. allowed Mr. Horn to share his views the joint Sound Transit/Regional Im- • Yes, light rail seemed to be the about the solution. His solution to our provement District transit and roads more expensive option. However, congestion problem was in road ca - measure, should be given as much we gave up numerous rights-of- pacity, of course. Mr. Horn then went press as soon as possible. way that would have made it on to speak about his involvement in the I-405 Corridor Program. He stated What part of NO… cheaper, so now we have to pay that the Record of Decision chose the don’t you understand? the piper in today’s dollars. • fou r GP lanes over light rail because it With the defeat Proposition 1 it is No, it didn’t make the truly useful was determined that it was the most very clear what the people want. road improvements that I once cost-effective. If you talk to the Sierra Club, it’s ob- outlined here. Frank Shiers, who agrees with All vious the people want more transit. Yet it contained a lot of road im- Aboard Washington that the Woodin - If you speak with the Eastside provements that weren’t solely capacity ville Subdivision is perfect for a com - Transportation Association it’s obvious increases for general purpose only muter rail solution, asked Mr. Horn that we need more roads. lanes. Yes, it included GP only lanes, about that solution. If you speak to Tim Eyman it’s ob- but the reality is that the public isn’t Unfortunately, Mr. Horn went on to vious we don’t want taxes. fully on -board with rail in the urban/ say that this line was also looked at, It is obvious we want solutions. suburban environment as the sole so - (See Cusick, page 6) page 4 Sound Transit’s long term goal is more Honor, from page 1 commuter rail service, but they did not Flem, from page 2 for transportation. One direction we need want specific levels of service and freight go by truck than one carload travel to move toward is congestion pricing as spending amounts laid out in a ballot on that other rail company’s tracks!" our “freeways can’t be free.” The average proposition as was the case with the I am sympathetic to rail management cost to own a car is $16 per day. original Sound Move in 1996. having to endure Wall Street's lack of ap- Ed Barnes, the former head of the The extension from Tacoma Dome parent understanding of the rail industry's electricians union in Vancouver, just re- Station to Lakewood will not open until need for massive and near-continual tired from the Transportation Commission late 2011 or early 2012. ST has spent the capital investments. It would be good if after serving for 12 years, the maximum last two years trying to satisfy various Wall Street would show a level of pa- allowed. Flem noted in his introduction of critics of its proposals to build the East D tience we ask from a six-year-old on Dec. Barnes that he was always the one to St. to South M St. connection but has 24th, because these capital investments remind his fellow commissioners to think been unable to satisfy them. The Sound near-always pay off in the medium and about rail. Transit board is now prepared to vote long run. Rail management should show Barnes thinks the Legislature made a Dec. 13 on one of two alternates: a grade a level of discipline not to treat their mistake taking away so much of the crossing of Pacific Ave. or a rail bridge short-line partners and customers in such Transportation Commission’s authority over Pacific Ave. See www.sound a manner that may make a few bucks when they made WSDOT a cabinet-level transit.org/x2135.xml for more next Tuesday, but would poison relation- agency with the governor directly ap- information. ships and hurt long-term profits for the pointing the Secretary of Transportation. A permanent station in Tukwila is rail industry and the greater society that This change now subjects WSDOT to moving along slowly. It is tied to the ex- depends upon it. more political pressure. tension of Strander Blvd. by the cities of Finally, everyone benefits – freight rail He stated he is proud of his 12 years Tukwila and Renton. The Union Pacific interests, passenger rail interests and the of service as a citizen commissioner. It tracks need to be relocated closer to the country at large – if freight and passen- was a struggle to remind people that rail BNSF tracks to allow the road overpass ger rail work as one in seeking public is as important as our other modes of to be built. Start of construction is about policies fair to the rail mode. Given that transportation. three years away. government at all levels has, for nearly a Barnes also feels that tolling is the George Barner, All Aboard Washing- century, favored road, waterway and air way of the future. He noted how smoothly ton board member, talked about his up- modes while simultaneously taxing and tolling is working on the new Tacoma set victory over an incumbent for a seat regulating rail sometimes almost out of Narrows Bridge. Another idea that could on the Port of Olympia commission. He existence, it is counterproductive for be considered is charging people a fee wants to put the public back in the port. freight and passenger interests to not join based on the number of miles they drive George understands the importance of together for fair and constructive treat- every year. Barnes stated, “If we don’t good rail connections and service to a ment of the rail mode as a whole rather meet the demand for our transportation port. He received over 52% of the vote. than blaming each other for what is often needs our economy will fail.” Louis Musso, an All Aboard board its own blunders and shortcomings. Also speaking at the membership member from Ellensburg, touted the pas- Some private rail companies and some meeting was Sound Transit’s Martin sage of Kittitas County’s own Proposition passenger interests are far better than Young. He manages Sounder commuter 1. It called for the creation of a county rail others in that regard. As mentioned rail service. The failure of Proposition 1 district (the first in the state) to study above, the Old Prof issues a solid B delays the transportation improvements passenger rail service from Ellensburg to grade to major players here in western that must be made in the Puget Sound Seattle. More and more people every Washington. region. And the costs of construction year are making the daily commute Those in All Aboard Washington who have followed the status of rail for a quarter continue to escalate at a much more across Snoqualmie Pass from the El- century or more feel both the potential for rapid pace than the general inflation rate. lensburg and Cle Elum areas to the Pu- The Legislature forced transit and roads growth in passenger and freight rail and get Sound region. Louis is optimistic that public support for such growth has never together on the ballot but the theory that commuter rail service could happen in it would make the plan more likely to been higher than now. It may not be a five to seven years. This Proposition 1 "perfect storm" for rail, but it is at least a pass voter muster failed. Sound Transit is passed with a 58% yes vote. analyzing the results and the board of di- "good storm"! Environmental concerns, And another board member, J. Craig from the ideas of human-induced negative rectors will decide how to repackage the Thorpe, updated the gathering on the climate change, to the permanent increases transit proposal and when to submit it to Eastside rail line saga. Our main effort in the costs of fossil fuels, coupled with the the voters again. It appears that going in now is to keep the issue of retaining the growing unattractiveness of road and air an off-year election with its lower voter tracks in place alive before the public and travel have finally convinced even such dis- turnout played a hand in the defeat. Voter the politicians. parate entities as the Wall Street Journal education on a new plan also needs to (In late November, several Port of and Parade magazine that rail, particularly be improved. Seattle commissioners indicated that if passenger rail, should assume a much Young noted, though many citizens the port buys the line from BNSF, they larger place in tomorrow's transportation wanted improved and added Sounder want the tracks to remain in place with a picture. Will the public push for more rail? service, there was little in Proposition 1 trail placed adjacent to them. King Will public decision makers then make the for Sounder. The very difficult and ex- County Executive Ron Simms is saying correct investment and regulatory deci- sions? Will we North Americans use trains pensive agreements needed with BNSF the deal between the port and the county more for riding and shipping if made avail- to eventually get the level of service would be off if that were to happen as originally planned caused the board to able? I like to think so. We of the organized trail construction would be too expensive. rail advocacy community must take the lead shy away from putting concrete propos- Stay tuned.) als for more trains in Proposition 1. with the pushing, riding and shipping. page 5 Amtrak directed to study reviving and routes to Seattle The $11.4 bill. six-year Amtrak reautho- rization, S. 294, passed by the US Senate on Oct. 30 contains provisions directing Amtrak to analyze restored service on the All Aboard Washington members at the Pioneer route, discontinued in 1997, be- Nov. 10 meeting at the state History tween Seattle and Denver via Portland and Museum in Tacoma. Photo by Jim Hamre Boise, and on the North Coast Hiawatha route, discontinued in 1979, between Seat- spend state money in British Columbia. Photo by Zack Willhoite tle and Chicago via Missoula, Billings and However, after years of negotiations, Bismarck. The Pioneer provision was spon- promises and false starts, the BC and Above, Seattle’s new South Lake Union sored by Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) and the Streetcar line being tested on Nov. 16. Canadian governments finally committed North Coast Hiawatha provision was spon- funds for the work. The 1.3 mile line connects the downtown sored by Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT). Sen. According to Jeff Schultz of the state shopping district at Westlake with the re- Crapo said, “We subsidize highways, we Rail Office, WSDOT and Amtrak plan to developing South Lake Union neighbor- subsidize airlines. We ought to subsidize extend trains 513 and 516 in summer 2008. hood. The streetcar line, similar to Ta- railroads to some extent.” Sen. Tester said, There would be an early morning departure coma Link and the Portland Streetcar (in- “If we can get passenger train service from Vancouver with through service to cluding the equipment) is scheduled to through southern Montana back on track Portland. Northbound, a mid-afternoon de- open on Dec. 12. Below left, the new light without jeopardizing the Empire Builder , parture from Portland will put you into Van- rail line, Lynx, in Charlotte, NC, where what are we waiting for? I want to make couver in the late evening. Now Oregon the NARP board met Oct. 25-27. The sure we have all the options on the table DOT needs establish a Thruway bus con- board got a ride on the line and a tour of and this amendment does just that, while nection from Eugene for these trains. the maintenance facility. The 9.6 mile protecting service in northern Montana starter line opened to the public on Nov. where train service is already critically Stampede Pass tunnel update important.” All Aboard Washington has learned that 24. Bottom right, construction on the Portland Transit bus mall to add light rail BNSF plans for improving the clearances in Rail work in British Columbia the Stampede Pass tunnel are nearly ready is in full swing. The new North-South means more Cascades service to go. The engineering firm designing the alignment through downtown compli- A siding extension and new signals on project has virtually completed the contract ments the current East-West rail align- BNSF's Seattle-Vancouver, BC mainline at documents but an internal discussion within ment. The existing Yellow Line to Expo Colebrook, BC will finally allow Amtrak BNSF is holding up the project. The con- Center and the under construction Green Cascades trains 513 and 516 to be ex- cern is over disposal of the brick tunnel lin- Line to Clackamas will run on the new tended from Bellingham to Vancouver. The ing which contaminated with over a century alignment with buses when the project is siding and new centralized traffic control of soot. The railroad’s environmental people finished in Sept. 2009. Direct MAX ac- (CTC) system are to be fully operational in want the 30,000 tons of waste sent to ha- cess to Union Station and the bus station January. This project has been years in the zardous waste landfill; the engineering will finally be available. making because of funding issues. BNSF people want to put the materials in an adja- required the up- cent abandoned tunnel and seal off the tun- grades prior to nel. The issue has advanced to the vice more passenger president level at BNSF; once it is resolved service north of the railroad will be ready to bid the contract. Bellingham. It wouldn’t pay for Amtrak is testing Wi-Fi on the Mt. Baker set the work because of Cascades equipment to determine feasi- it is directly re- bility of providing the service throughout the lated to passen- corridor. There are currently some dead ger rail expansion spots but the service is free for now. Go through the login screen that pops up to Photos by Jim Hamre and WSDOT is not authorized to connect. All Aboard Washington Officers Important Addresses and Phone Numbers Chuck Mott, Mukilteo..Chairman ...... 425 710-9665 .... [email protected] U. S. House of Representatives: Tony Trifiletti, Shoreline..President ...... 206 440-9451 .... [email protected] Washington, DC 20515 Jim Hamre, Puyallup..Vice President ...... 253 848-2473 .... [email protected] U. S. Senate: Washington, DC 20510 Rocky Shay, Federal Way..Secretary ...... 253 925-2085 .... [email protected] Capitol Switchboard (all members): 202 224-3121 John Carlin, Edmonds..Treasurer ...... 425 778-4529 .... [email protected] State Legislature: State Capitol, Olympia 98504 Lloyd Flem, Olympia.. Hotline for leaving messages: 800 562-6000 Government Affairs Director ...... 360 943-8333 .... [email protected] Office FAX ...... 360 943-0136 Amtrak Reservations/Information: 800 872-7245 Address ...... 3704 22 nd Ave SE, Olympia 98501 All Aboard Washington: Jim Hamre, Puyallup..Newsletter Editor ..... 253 848-2473 .... [email protected] AllAboardWashington.org Warren Yee, Seattle..E-newsletter ...... 206 723-0259 .... [email protected] NARP: www.narprail.org NARP Hotline: www.narprail.org/cms/index.php/hotline/ All are evening numbers, except Lloyd's, which is available 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. Amtrak: www.amtrak.com : www.amtrakcascades.com page 6 All Aboard Washington welcomed the for avoiding a veto have been discussed; All Aboard News following new members in October and some include lowering the spending level January 29: All Aboard Washing- November: David Stubbs, Surrey, BC; of all appropriations bills. The effect of ton will again participate in Trans- Michael Bryans, Vancouver, WA; Alan these cuts would fall hard on Amtrak. NARP urges people to contact their rep - portation Advocacy Day in Olym- Deright, Seattle; and We ylin Doyle, Bonney Lake. resentative and senators and appeal to pia during the Legislative session. them not to cut Amtrak funding in the fi - The day’s activities will begin at All Aboard Washington members contri - nal bill. United Church of Christ, 110 11th buting to this newsletter include Hans In good news from Congress, the Ave SW. Lloyd Flem and others will Mueller, Stuart Adams, Bob Lawrence, Senate passed S. 294 , the six-year $11.4 Jeff Schultz, Zack Willhoite, Tony Trifi - prep us to visit with our legislators bill. Amtrak reauthorization on a 70 -22 letti, Lloyd Flem , Warren Yee, Loren vote on Oct. 30. This is a veto -proof mar- before we go out to meet with them Herrigstad and Jim Cusick. gin and the six Democrats that did not or with staff. Members should let Many members help All Aboard Wash- vote would have probably voted yea. Lloyd know in advance they will be ington throughout the year, both finan- Sens. Patty Murray (D -Bothell) and Maria participating as he will then work to cially and with their Cantwell (D -Edmonds) voted yes, as did get appointments with your legisla- time and talent. Oregon Sen. Gordon Smith (R), Idaho tors (contact info, p. 5). From the Another way to Sen. Mike Crapo (R), and Montana Sens. north use Cascades 501 south- support All Aboard Jon Tester (D) and Max Baucus (D). Washington into the future is to consider Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden (D) did not vote bound and 506 or 516 northbound. and Idaho Sen. Larry Craig (R) voted no. Transportation provided between a bequest in your will to our organiza- tion. Please consider doing so. Rep. Jam es Oberstar (D-MN), head of Centennial Station and the church. the House Transportation com mittee, has February 23: Annual joint meeting said he will introduce a House counter - Record Ye ar, from page 1 part to S. 294 early next year. with NARP Region 8, Assoc. of • Coast Starlight: 343,542 (+3.5%); Oregon Rail and Transit Advocates $29,171,278 (+5.2%) Cusick, from page 3 and Montana ARP in Portland . A Amtrak’s 2008 funding (like most of the federal government’s) remaining in but it wasn’t considered to be cost - registration flyer will be sent out in effective. As you all know from reading late January. Use Cascades train flux though the fiscal year started Oct. 1. The House and Senate have negotiated this column, the study of this line as a 501 southbound and train 508 the differences in their separate bills for commuter rail solution never made it to northbound. The earlier you pur- Transportation and Housing. The confe - the Cost/Benefit stage. chase tickets the better the price. rence report passed the House on Nov. What do you do? What do you do? The Portland Visitor Association 14 270 -147, eight votes shy of the super- What did I do? majority required to override a promised I called Frank Shiers and clarified now is offering a 2-for-1 deal on what happened in the study of that line. Cascades service to Portland. Use presidential veto. The bill would provide $1.45 billion for intercity passenger rail It wasn’t hard to talk about it, since promotion code H750 when making ($1.375 billion for Amtrak and $75 million the data spoke for itself. reservations with Amtrak. Restric- to match state investments). The Senate Eastside commuter rail is a viable tions apply and a limited number of has not yet acted on the conference re - solution. seats are available on each train. port. NARP reports that many scenarios I’ll be waiting for the opponent’s plan.

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