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Upcoming
Industry Events
2020 NRC Conference & NRC-REMSA Exhibition
January 5-8, 2020
San Diego, CA
2020 Southwestern Rail Conference
January 23-24, 2020
San Diego, CA
Wisconsin Railroad Association- Freight Rail Day 2020
February 20 2020
Madison, WI
Railroad Day on Capitol Hill
March 4, 2020
Washington
, D.C.
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In This Issue:
Bring a Member of Congress to Your Company!
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 Washington Update
Congress Passes
5-Year Extension of the 45G Short Line Tax Credit, President Trump Expected to Sign Bill into Law
Just in time for the holidays, REMSA's top legislative priority is on the cusp of being signed into law by President Trump. This week, the House and Senate passed a 5-year extension of the 45G Short Line Tax Credit that will inject more than $1 billion into short line railroad infrastructure. The tax credit, which was included in a larger appropriations bill for fiscal year 2020 (H.R.1865), will be retroactively available for 2018 and 2019 and run through January 1, 2023. President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law by Friday, December 20. This is a highly substantial achievement, providing significant economic relief to short line railroads across the country that rely on the rail supply industry for track maintenance and improvements. The bill passed the House 297-120 and the Senate 71-23.
The larger funding appropriations package featured many notable items for the rail industry, including $1 billion for BUILD grants (formerly known as TIGER), $1 billion for INFRA grants, and $325 million for CRISI grants.
Congress also passed a ban on mass transit agencies from using federal funds to purchase rail cars from Chinese-owned companies, specifically targeting the Chinese Railway Rolling Stock Corp (CRRC). The ban has a two-year delay but takes effect immediately for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), which is currently in the procurement process for 800 new rail cars.
On December 12, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) convened a two-day hearing to receive stakeholder input on railroad rate reform. STB action is anticipated to accelerate next year as the Board will actively consider up to a dozen rules and regulations affecting the rail industry.
On December 5, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee held a joint subcommittee hearing on freight transportation that featured AAR President Ian Jeffries and ASLRRA President Chuck Baker, who called for reasonable regulations on the rail industry and urged lawmakers to extend the 45G Short Line Tax Credit.
And finally, the House passed the USCMA trade agreement today, replacing the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This is great news for our industry as 42% of all U.S. rail traffic is connected to international trade. The Senate will vote on the new trade agreement in late January.
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If you are interested in learning more about REMSA's government affairs efforts, please reach out to Jacob Carter at
[email protected]
.
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Year-End Message from REMSA President
Happy holidays and New Year from REMSA!
We thank you for your continued support and look forward to having you on-board
in the new year.
See 2019 year-end note from REMSA President, Al Reynolds
here
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See you at the 2020 NRC-REMSA Exhibition!
We are looking forward to seeing you at the 2020 NRC-REMSA Exhibition!
As a reminder, the exhibit will take place January 5-6, 2020 at the Hotel Del Coronado Resort & Spa in San Diego, CA in conjunction with the 2020 NRC Conference, which will run January 5-8, 2020. Please be aware that the exhibits will be located in a tent adjacent to the hotel property.
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For questions regarding the NRC Conference, please contact Mike McGonagle at [email protected] or (202) 975-0365.
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Congratulations
REMSA Continuing Education Scholarship ($15,000) Recipient!
Congratulations
to Eric Armstrong, employee of REMSA member company Menards Railroad Materials, on receiving the $15,000 Continuing Education Scholarship. He will be completing the 2020 Railway Management Certificate Program at Michigan State University.
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Superwomen: breaking barriers & biases, balancing life & achieving success
Join the League of Railway Women (LRW) and panelists Beverly Bailey, CEO/president, Stronghold Engineering, Inc., Amanda Bewley, construction manager, Knife River Corporation and Maggie Vuono, national sales manager, Holland LP on January 6th, 2-4PM at the NRC-REMSA 2020 Exhibition as we explore the role of women in the rail industry and their unique experiences. Learn how these successful women conquered obstacles and navigated a path of success in their business and personal lives. Hear their stories and learn tips to take back to your own workplace.
Moderator:
Madeleine Stern
League of Railway Women
Parliamentarian
Panelists:
Beverly Bailey
CEO/President
Stronghold Engineering, Inc.
Amanda Bewley
Construction Manager
Knife River Corporation
Maggie Vuono
National Sales Manager
Holland LP
See panelist biographies and top tips for success
here.
Directly following our panel discussion: 'Superwomen: Breaking Barriers & Biases', join us in the Garden Room for refreshments and a meet & greet with our #Superwomen in rail! RSVP here.
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For questions regarding the panel, please contact Madeleine Stern at m[email protected] or (202) 715-2919.
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Registration for Railroad Day on Capitol Hill now open!
Railroad Day on Capitol Hill will take place on March 4, 2020.
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For details, please visit the
the American Short Line And Regional Railroad Association's website.
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Taisha Poulin
(Holland LP
)
How did you get started in the rail industry?
A friend took me to dinner one night and suggested a job in the industry. My first though was how can I possibly add to an industry I don't know anything about? She convinced me I would fit right in, so I went for the interview. That was the beginning of my journey in this amazing industry at the Canadian Association of Railway Suppliers as the Membership and Events Coordinator. During my years with the association I fell in love with the industry, what it stands for and the incredible people. I am forever grateful for that opportunity, and I feel like a part of a big family.
What do you love most about your job/the rail industry?
As a people person I must say I love working with our customers. I love learning from some of the hardest working people out there! I am grateful that I get to learn from some of the best in the industry and that I have the support from my team to help me grow. Holland as some pretty incredible mentors that have committed their time to helping me succeed.
What is it like being a woman in a primarily male dominated industry?
The Railroads may have been known to carry the "Old Boys Club" title in the past, but I have to say it doesn't feel that way. I work with amazing
people
, men and woman who are hard -working, intelligent and share the love for the industry.
What do you find yourself doing most in your downtime? Hobbies outside of work?
I have two beautiful, healthy children that are my world. Our family enjoys time at the lake every opportunity we can. Although, I may not have a lot of extra time to do what I love to do, I try to squeeze in some "me" time for yoga, meditation and coffee dates with my husband.
How do you define the "future" of rail? Where do you think the industry is headed?
The future of rail is a true reflection of the people working everyday to make it better. It is the best environmental option for freight, and passenger travel. The industry, on a very large scale responds to our environmental challenges and people are realizing more and more that not only does it save money, it is saving our environment one train at a time...
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Interested in being highlighted in the REMSA spotlight? Apply to become Member-of-Month.
Contact Madeleine Stern, Membership & Marketing Manager to apply today at:
[email protected] or (202) 715-2919.
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REMSA Partners with America's-Adopt-a-Soldier
This month,
The Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association, Inc.
(REMSA) partnered with America's-Adopt-a-Soldier to write holiday cards for veterans. We are proud to say we collected several holiday cards for the cause and are excited to spread the holiday cheer to the men and women who protect our country.
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Contact Madeleine Stern, Membership & Marketing Manager wit questions or to send a special message to the troops at:
[email protected] or (202) 715-2919.
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REMSA Gets Social! Find us on Instagram at:
remsa_rail
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Contact Madeleine Stern, Membership & Marketing Manager, with questions at:
[email protected] or (202) 715-2919.
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REMSA Grassroots Program
Bring a Member of Congress to Your Company!
The 116th Congress has more than 100 new members in the House of Representatives and 10 new Senators, making 2020 a terrific opportunity to host a REMSA grassroots event at your company.
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. We will also take the initiative to engage with local and regional media outlets to highlight your company and maximize the visibility of the great work that you are doing.
Are you interested in growing your network and highlighting your products and services to the rail industry?
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Are you interested in growing your network and highlighting your products and services to the rail industry? Please contact Jacob Carter at
[email protected]
or (202) 715-2917 to get started.
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Industry News
Ridership on U.S. public transit agencies rose 2.2 percent in third-quarter 2019 compared with ridership during third-quarter 2018, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) reported...The growth in total ridership included a 5.46 percent surge on heavy rail systems and a 4.38 percent gain on commuter-rail systems, APTA officials said in a press release. (Progressive Railroading)
Due to a growing travel demand, Metra said they initiated to look into the feasibility of extending the BNSF commuter rail line beyond its existing terminus in Aurora. The study examined potential yard locations, as well as rail stations. (ABC7)
Research from Michigan State University's Center for Railway Research and Education (CRRE) contributed to the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority's (SBCTA) decision to order the first commercial hydrogen-powered train for use in North America... The research was conducted in partnership with the Birmingham CRRE and Mott MacDonald [and] the effort was made possible through a full funding grant from the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA). As a result, the SBCTA signed a contract on Nov. 14 with Stadler U.S., Inc., to commission the first hydrogen-powered, zero-emission passenger train to the U.S. (Railway Age)
The training aims to provide Ambassadors with the key messages and content they need to make presentations and volunteer at events on OL's behalf, and also links to OL's new campaigns and refreshed outreach materials. (Railway Age)
Metrolink's Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) program is expected to create 1.3 million jobs and increase the gross regional product by almost $684 billion through 2050, according to a Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. (LAEDC) study presented to Metrolink's board last week. Rail improvements in the program include track additions and enhancements to stations, signals and grade crossings that will enable more frequent, bi-directional service throughout the day. (Progressive Railroading)
The Railway Supply Institute (RSI) announced that Harrison Wadsworth, Director of Government Affairs for Siemens, has been appointed to the RSI Board of Directors to fill a seat vacated by Siemens Mobility President of Mobility Management in North America, John Paljug, following his retirement from Siemens Mobility earlier this month. Wadsworth currently serves as Chairman of the RSI Government and Public Affairs Committee (GPAC), where he plays a key role in driving RSI's federal policy initiatives and legislative strategy. (RSI)
WMATA plans to rebuild deteriorating platforms at four Orange Line stations in Virginia in summer 2020. During the platform reconstruction project, Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Station in Oakton, Dunn Loring-Merrifield Station in Merrifield and East Falls Church Station in Arlington will be closed between May 25 and Sept. 7, 2020. West Falls Church-VT/UVA Station in Idylwood will remain open during the project because it has two platforms that can be reconstructed one at a time, WMATA officials said in a press release. (Progressive Railroading)
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Member News
Balfour Beatty has been commended for its commitment to sustainability, securing seven awards at the prestigious Green Apple Awards at The Houses of Parliament and an additional prize for Construction Project of The Year at the Construction, Quarry and Recycling awards in Northern Ireland. Heather Bryant, Balfour Beatty's Health, Safety, Environment & Sustainability Director, said, "I am delighted that Balfour Beatty's effort to deliver sustainable and innovative approaches to construction methods has been widely recognised at these awards. We are committed to taking a proactive approach to health, safety and wellbeing of staff and the sustainability of our environment." (Balfour Beatty)
In the new role, Leggett will aim to lead LTK's efforts to support clients transitioning to zero-emissions vehicles.
"We are pleased to have Dee rejoin our team," said LTK President Dominic DiBrito. "Her knowledge and experience will be a tremendous asset to our Zero-Emissions Practice." (Railway Age)
The FTS team relocated to a new executive office and manufacturing facility in Hackettstown, New Jersey. The site will enable the company to broaden its production and research and development business for the transportation sector, FTS officials said in a press release. (Progressive Railroading)
Inspection Oilfield Services' (IOS) Morgantown, West Virginia facility has added 3 new fully equipped mobile inspection trailers to its fleet of non-destructive testing and repair service for leading oil and gas companies with upstream operations in the Northeast. (LB Foster)
RailWorks has several positions open, such as Construction Manager in Los Angeles, California and a Surveyor for the Purple Line project in Riverdale, Maryland. Visit the jobs.railworks.com to see these opportunities and more. (RailWorks)
Dave Genova, general manager and chief executive officer of the RTD-Denver
, has announced his retirement after nearly 26 years at the agency. Genova said it has been a privilege to serve RTD and the community."I am confident that our very capable leadership team will continue to guide the agency in our mission to serve the traveling public," he said. "It has been an honor to have shared in many industry-leading projects and I am proud of the successes we achieved during my nearly five-year term as general manager and CEO." (Progressive Railroading)
Strukton has released a 'completely renewed' version of its cloud-based POSS Online R7 condition monitoring platform, which uses big data, IoT and machine learning technology to provide rail asset owners with 24/7 performance insight. (Railway Gazette)
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