REMSA members hosted three Grassroots Events for policymakers to learn more about their businesses and the rail industry.
On September 22, 2015, L.B. Foster hosted Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers (R-WA-5) at their Spokane, WA, concrete tie facility. Steve Burgess, President, CXT Inc., led the tour through the facility and gave formal remarks to employees and association and political staff.
L.B. Foster employs approximately 100 people at their Spokane facility, which they acquired from CXT Inc. in 1999.
"It is critical that manufacturers thrive in our community. I will continue to advocate for a smaller and more effective government and work with local organizations, like L.B. Foster, to create opportunities and jobs right here in the Spokane region." - Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers.
Burgess and Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers
The group discussed the looming Positive Train Control (PTC) deadline and the importance of supporting short line railroads. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee. She is the Chair of the House Republican Conference, the fourth highest-ranking Republican in the House, and the highest ranking woman in Congress.
On October 13, 2015, Congressman Tim Huelskamp (R-KS-1) joined representatives from Landoll Corporation to tour their Marysville facility, learn about their rail, farming, and OEM equipment, and discuss public policy priorities for the business and rail communities in Kansas.
Don Landoll, CEO, led the group to the Union Pacific terminal in Marysville, through Landoll's manufacturing facility, and, lastly, to Landoll Lanes for lunch and a presentation.
Don Landoll and Congressman Huelskamp
"It was a pleasure to learn the important work that Landoll Corporation is doing in the Marysville community and how their products represent Kansas in a global marketplace. Landoll is a true American success story, filling a vital role in manufacturing equipment to support our Kansas railways," said Congressman Huelskamp.
The group discussed the private nature of America's freight railroad network which, unlike other modes of freight transportation, does not rely on federal support for the expansion or maintenance of its network. Also discussed were the looming December 2015 PTC implementation deadline and possible extensions. In Kansas, 13 freight railroads operate and maintain over 4,800 miles of track and support over 5,000 jobs.
On October 15, 2015, Wasatch Railcar Repair Contractors (WRRC) hosted a grand opening event for community, industry, and government officials. The event featured demonstrations of WRRC's repair capabilities and formal remarks by WRRC Founder John Rimmasch and Ben Avery, on behalf of Governor Matt Mead.
John Rimmasch addresses the open house
Mr. Rimmasch delivered an overview of WRRC, shared the importance of a recently enacted Wyoming tax credit to the re-opening of their Shoshoni facility, and outlined WRRC's plans for future growth in Shoshoni. WRRC also recently restored a segregation-era railway car that will be featured in the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. He was later joined by Mr. Avery, on behalf of Office of the Governor:
"The Wyoming Business Council has been very proactive the last decade in working with local communities to develop rail parks throughout the state," said Avery. "We understand the value and the need for rail parks in order to have and grow our robust manufacturing distribution logistics economy. We also recognize and value the rail car refurbishing facilities in the state, and look forward to all facets involving the rail industry playing a role in diversifying and continuing to grow Wyoming's economy."
Also in attendance were representatives from Sens. Mike Enzi and John Barrasso and U.S. Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY-AL). Federal legislative priorities like extending the short line tax credit and extending the PTC deadline were discussed.
