Pro-rail bill attempts to shift freight to trains

WASHINGTON — U.S. legislation introduced by a Rebublican and Democrat would encourage companies to invest in rail and intermodal facilities to meet a 67 percent spike in freight traffic by the year 2020 and get trucks off the road at the same time.

The Freight Rail Infrastructure Capacity Expansion Act, sponsored by Senators Trent Lott (R-MS) and Kent Conrad (D-ND), would provide a 25 percent tax incentive for capital expenditures by any business investing in new track, intermodal facilities, rail yards, locomotives or other rail infrastructure expansion projects.

Railroads, ports, shippers, and even intermodal trucking companies, would be eligible.

The legislation has the backing of key businesses, trade associations, and several shipping ports, including the Port of Vancouver.

“Railroads are an integral part of the solution to congestion, offering a better alternative to highway transportation. Freight railroads not only reduce highway congestion and pollution, they help America conserve energy,” said Edward R. Hamberger, president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads.

“The U.S. retail industry is a major user of intermodal rail,” said National Retail Federation Vice President Erick Autor. “As commerce continues to expand, retailers support this and other efforts to ensure the nation’s rail system can make necessary investments to meet growing demand from all rail customers well into the future.”