The Council of State Governments
Eastern Regional Conference

February 9, 2001

Senator Musto Makes Pennsylvania’s Case to Amtrak

Senator Raphael Musto met today with senior Amtrak officials and state leaders from across the Northeast to discuss Amtrak service in the region. The meeting was sponsored by the Council of State Government’s Eastern Regional Conference and was held at Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor Headquarters in Philadelphia.

"I am absolutely committed to ensuring that Amtrak addresses Pennsylvania’s needs as it plans its service for the region," Musto said. "Our voice needs to be heard on issues like service quality, speed, upgrading current routes, and developing new services outside of the Washington-Boston corridor."

Musto was briefed on the new high-speed Acela Service, Amtrak’s strategic business and capital plans, and federally designated high speed corridors.

As the Northeast’s airports and highways become increasingly congested, Musto and other state officials said they are pushing Amtrak to provide attractive transportation alternatives. With Amtrak facing mounting pressure from Congress to cut costs and address its operating deficit, Musto said that strong regional advocacy is needed now more than ever.

"Pennsylvania and the Northeast as a whole needs a strong high-speed passenger rail system if we are going to remain competitive," Musto said. "It’s important that we are part of Amtrak’s planning process."

The Council of State Governments (CSG) is the nation’s oldest organization of states and the only one representing the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. CSG’s Eastern Regional Conference includes the 10 Northeast states between Delaware and Maine. CSG/ERC actively supports appropriate funding for Amtrak and a strong regional voice in Amtrak planning.

For more information contact:  Adam Rich   212-912-0128