Tester to Obama on rail service: ‘Don’t lose sight of rural America’

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – As the Obama Administration invests in passenger rail service jobs across the country, Senator Jon Tester today delivered a message to the President: don’t lose sight of rural America.

The Administration is awarding competitive grants from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to create jobs by developing the nation’s first high-speed city-to-city rail service.

Tester wrote to President Obama, urging him to “also focus on maintaining and improving existing rail lines and infrastructure and expanding rail services in rural states like Montana, which connect America’s urban corridors.”

“Whether it’s moving grain or moving people, our railways are vital to Montana’s economy,” Tester said.  “I’m proud to see the Recovery Act creating jobs by investing in our country’s infrastructure.  However, it’s critical that your administration not lose sight of rural America.”

Tester reminded the President that transportation needs like these “couldn’t be more crucial than they are now.”

“By addressing these needs, you will accomplish the same goals as your high-speed rail initiative—creating good jobs and growing our economy,” Tester wrote.

Tester’s letter to Obama appears below.

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January 29, 2010

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

Yesterday, you and Vice President Biden announced that Recovery Act grants would go to develop the country’s first nationwide program of high-speed intercity passenger rail service.  I’m proud to see the Recovery Act is making critical investments in our country’s infrastructure.  As you know, these investments will help rebuild our economy by creating high-skill, good-paying jobs.

As you focus on high-speed rail in urban corridors, however, it’s critical that your administration not lose sight of rural America.

I urge you to also focus on maintaining and improving existing rail lines and infrastructure and expanding rail services in rural states like Montana, which connect America’s urban corridors.  Transportation needs like these couldn’t be more crucial than they are now.  And by addressing these needs, you will accomplish the same goals as your high-speed rail initiative – creating good jobs and growing our economy.   

I appreciate your attention to these issues and your support in makings the needs of rural Americans a top priority.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me for more information or to discuss these issues in greater detail.

Sincerely,

(s)
Jon Tester
United States Senator