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In This Issue:


Washington Update


REMSA Undergraduate Scholarship


REMSA Member of the Month: Vancer


Spring Ad Sale


REMSA Grassroots Program


Member & Industry News


Upcoming Industry Events


ASLRRA Annual Conference & Exhibition

May 1-3, 2022


RSSI C&S Exhibition

May 16-18, 2022


International Level Crossing Awareness Day

June 9, 2022


WRI 2022

June 21-24, 2022


AREMA 2022 Annual Conference & Expo

August 28-31, 2022


InnoTrans

September 20-23, 2022


NRC Conference and NRC-REMSA Exhibition

January 4-7, 2023


Railway Interchange

October 1-4, 2023

Washington Update

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On April 11, Jennifer Mitchell started her new role as Deputy Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Mitchell joins FRA after serving as Director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. Additionally, FRA and its employees are preparing for implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) over the coming weeks and months. FRA also released its’ FY 2023 budget request, totaling $4.6 billion. The FY 2023 budget request includes $3 billion extra for Amtrak and $1.35 billion for competitive grants like Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) and Railroad Crossing Elimination.


On March 23, US Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced $2.9 billion of funding for major infrastructure projects through an historic combined three-program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). According to Buttigieg, combining three major grant programs into one Multimodal Projects Discretionary Grant opportunity reduces the burden for state and local applicants and increase the pipeline of "shovel-worthy" projects now possible because of BIL. 


If you are interested in learning more about REMSA's government affairs efforts, please reach out to Mike McGonagle at [email protected].

Read the Washington Update on our website
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REMSA Undergraduate Scholarship: Now Accepting Applications


REMSA member company employees and their family members are eligible to apply for the undergraduate scholarship. Two scholarships are available, apply by July 15. 

Learn more

Member of the Month

Joel Marreel, Strategic Account Manager

Vancer

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How did you get started in the rail industry?

I came from the auction industry as a nationwide auctioneer of transportation, construction equipment and ag. I chose the rail industry because of the fact it is unlike any other business and I can still have direct contact with customers!


What do you love most about your job/the rail industry?

I love the fact Vancer designs, builds, and engineers every piece of equipment we rent or sell. It allows me to customize the equipment to meet my customer’s needs and NOT offer them a “cookie cutter-one style fits all” machine.


What do you find yourself doing most in your downtime?

My wife, Tammi, and I have 4 grandkids that we love to see. I love to camp, fish, hunt and ride motorcycles. I am also restoring a 1972 C-10 when time allows!


How do you define the “future” of rail?

The industry is headed to efficiency and building WITH our customers. In the past, it was a certain machine, take it or leave it with little to no support after. Customers want a team and a relationship that they can trust. The “old buddy” system is fading quickly, and the demand for a “partner” is rising.


What do you enjoy most about being part of REMSA?

I enjoy the people. Seeing customers and talking machines and plans with their groups is rewarding.


Anything else you would like to add/share?

I honestly have never been prouder to work with a team like Vancer. They truly care for their customers and work hard to earn business every day. From a Contractor, Short Line or a Class 1 – everyone is treated the same, and our team is top notch!

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Interested in being featured in an upcoming Mainline and on REMSA's social media? REMSA is looking for members to feature as the member of the month! Whether you are a seasoned railroader or new to the industry, REMSA will share your story and recognize your company across our digital channels. Email Trade Shows & Marketing Manager Heidi Baker at [email protected] to apply today.

REMSA Spring Advertising Sale: Save 15% through April 30


There is still time to take advantage of our spring ad sale! For more information, reach out to Heidi Baker at [email protected].

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REMSA Grassroots Program

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REMSA's Grassroots Program connects our association's membership with members of Congress to host tours and site visits of company facilities and ongoing projects. It's a terrific way to showcase the positive impact that your company has in the local community, while also building strong personal relationships with your elected representatives. REMSA has hosted 50 grassroots events with member companies since the program was launched in 2015.


REMSA welcomes Mike McGonagle to the team as Grassroots Event Manager. He has worked with the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) since 2018, and brings strong industry experience and relationships to this role.


If you are interested in hosting a grassroots event at your facility please reach out to Mike McGonagle at [email protected].

Member News


REMSA members Asplundh Railroad Services, Progress Rail, Vancer featured in rail supplier news (Progressive Railroading)


REMSA member Pandrol featured in rail supplier news (Railway Age)


REMSA member RailWorks featured in rail supplier news (Progressive Railroading)

Industry News


RT&S selects 2022 10 under 40 list (RT&S)


PennDOT seeks P3 proposals for rail, other projects (Progressive Railroading)


Complex rail bridge move on deck for Brightline (RT&S)


Building a Better America Major Grant Programs Announcement (US Department of Transportation)


New partnership: Milwaukee(R) and Industry-Railway Suppliers


House transportation leaders call on FRA to finalize rail-worker fatigue rule (Progressive Railroading)


Railway Management Certificate Program 2022 (Michigan State University)


Railway Engineering Short Courses (RailTEC at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

Advertise with REMSA


Highlight your company with a banner or tile ad on the REMSA website and broaden your audience. Ads will appear at www.remsa.org and run starting with three-month terms. REMSA members enjoy the member-rate to advertise. 

Learn more

Contact us


If you have any member news, industry tips, questions or comments, please share with us: 


Email: [email protected]

Phone: (202) 844-6026

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