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Upcoming
Industry Events
RailTrends 2019
November 21-22, 2019
New York, NY
APTA High-Speed Rail Policy Forum
December 4, 2019
Washington, D.C.
Big Data in Railroad Maintenance Planning 2019
December 11-12
University of Delaware Newark Campus
2020 NRC Conference & NRC-REMSA Exhibition
January 5-8, 2020
San Diego, CA
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REMSA
Welcomes New Members:
servicetrucks.com
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In This Issue:
Bring a Member of Congress to Your Company!
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 Washington Update
Congress Begins Public Impeachment Proceedings, Short Line Tax Credit Targets Year-End Appropriations Process, and
House Democrats Revive $1 Trillion Infrastructure Plan
Public hearings on impeachment proceedings are dominating headlines in Washington, but the insider focus is behind the scenes where appropriators in Congress are still negotiating a spending bill for 2020 that can win enough votes to avoid a government shutdown on Friday. This week, the House passed a month-long continuing resolution that would give lawmakers until an extended deadline until December 20 to hash out details on a bigger spending package. The Senate is expected to follow suit and send the temporary spending resolution to President Trump to sign into law.
This sets up the December 20 deadline as this year's last prospect for a vehicle to advance various legislative items, such as a tax package that includes the Section 45G short line tax credit, which now boasts 295 House and 62 Senate cosponsors. Rail industry representatives are working tireless with leaders on the House Ways & Means and Senate Finance Committees to urge House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California) and Senate Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) to address tax provisions before the end of the year.
And House Democrats, led by Speaker Pelosi and House Transportation & Infrastructure Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon), are renewing their push for a $1 trillion infrastructure bill ahead of the 2020 elections. The revived infrastructure plan, which is scarce on details and has yet to be unveiled publicly, has little chance of becoming law but will likely serve as a platform of talking points for Democrats who are eager to show voters that they have bigger goals than just impeaching President Trump. As you might recall, talks between President Trump and Democrats in Congress for a $2 trillion infrastructure package broke down earlier this year over disputes about impeachment and the USCMA trade deal.
Last week, the Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee approved a two-year extension of the Railroad Revitalization and Improvement Financing (RRIF) loan program and also advanced the nomination of former Congressman Todd Rokita (R-Indiana) to the Amtrak Board of Directors. Meanwhile, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee held a Railroads Subcommittee hearing on Amtrak, where lawmakers squared off with Amtrak CEO Richard Anderson on funding mechanisms and forced arbitration policies for passengers. And earlier this month, the Department of Transportation released $900 million of BUILD grants (formerly known as TIGER), with about $50 million going towards rail projects and $85 million for transit projects.
Heading into December, our number one priority and focus is attaching a short line tax credit extension onto any appropriations bill that moves before December 20. The next 30 days will be critical to the future of Section 45G and we hope to offer positive news before the holidays.
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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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Booth Space for the 2020 NRC-REMSA Exhibition- 90% Sold out!
Booth space is 90% sold out and going quick!
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. Please follow this link for the
2020 NRC-REMSA Exhibitor Terms & Conditions
which includes show schedule, display guidelines, etc. For more information on exhibits, booth pricing, etc., please visit the
NRC-REMSA 2020 Exhibition Welcome Page.
REGISTER FOR A BOOTH:
To register for a booth, CLICK HERE and login with your company password (same password as previous years). If you do not remember your password, you can retrieve your password on this page by clicking on "Forgot your password?" Please do not create a new company profile as this password is unique to your company and contains historical information relevant to your company. You may also share this password with anyone within your company to access your exhibitor portal. Your company's password will allow you to view an interactive floor plan and reserve a booth online. Please contact me if you have any issues with logging in or retrieving your company password.
ATTENDEE REGISTRATION & HOTEL
:
Each 8'x10' exhibit space comes with one complimentary conference registration to the 2020 NRC Conference. All attendees of the exhibition must also be registered for the NRC conference. Registration for the conference as well as the hotel block are now open. View the registration link here.
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For questions regarding the NRC/REMSA Exhibition and reserving your booth, please contact Urszula Soucie at [email protected] or (202) 715-2921.
For questions regarding the NRC Conference, registration, hotel, sponsorship, etc. please contact Mike McGonagle at [email protected] or (202) 975-0365.
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REMSA Member Spotlight
Peter Scholtens
(Integrity Rail Products
)
How did you get started in the rail industry?
I initially worked as the primary sales person for a company that designed and built locomotive traction control systems. More recently, I started out on my own as an independent sales representative, primarily bringing American products into the Canadian market. Most recently, I've been working with a German company bringing their dry suction excavator attachment, called the tinbin TC2 (see tinbincanam.com) to the rail and construction industries here in North America
What do you love most about your job/the rail industry?
The railroad industry is a lot more diverse and multi-faceted than I thought. I'm constantly learning more within the industry. But at the same time, it's a relatively small community, people are friendly, and generally great to work with. I have a lot of respect for the people working to keep our track, trains, and other equipment in good condition. People are always helpful and happy to teach others the ins and outs of the industry.
What do you find yourself doing most in your downtime? Hobbies outside of work?
I keep busy with my family, church community, and a couple of hobbies. I'm married to Diana, who's been putting up with me for more than 22 years. We have 4 great kids. I also love music. I play several instruments and sing.
How do you define the "future" of rail? Where do you think the industry is headed?
I think the industry will continue to diversify. As the older members of the industry retire, we will see an increasing number of woman and minorities involved at all levels. I'm concerned about the short-termism that we see in publicly traded railroads, and I hope that will be corrected soon. I've appreciated the continued emphasis on safety and seeing everyone get home at night and I hope that continues indefinitely.
Anything else you would like to add/share?
I would like to thank all my customers and friends in the industry. You've been very kind in welcoming me to the industry and supporting my business. I'm looking forward to serving you for many years!
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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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Congratulations 2019 Railway Age Women in Rail
Ginger Adamiak, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Energy and Chemical Products, Kansas City Southern
Elizabeth (Beth) Caruso, CAE, CEO and Executive Director, AREMA
Lisa Gatchell, Vice President of Risk Management and Associate General Counsel, Virgin Trains USA Florida LLC
Lucy Grasso, Strategic Operations Principle, OmniTRAX
Julie Green, Vice President New York, LTK Engineering Services
Theresa Impastato, Executive Vice President and Chief Safety Officer, WMATA
Lacy Kreger, Manager Economic Development, BNSF
Pat Remillard, GM Operations, Central Division, Canadian Pacific Railway
Janet Scagnelli, Deputy General Counsel, Conrail
Joan Smemoe, Chief Information Officer, Vice President, Railinc
Ellen Smith, Group Manager, New Transbay Rail Crossing, SF Bay Area Rapid Transit District
Kimberly Thompson, Vice President Sales and Marketing, G&W Southern Region Railroads, Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services, Inc.
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Read more at
: railwayage.com
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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
AAR has awarded the 2019 North American Environmental Employee Excellence Award to Brian Zacker, an environmental field services senior manager at CSX. "Brian applied decades of environmental experience to his approach to innovation, relationship building and continuous process improvement," said Raghu Chatrathi, CSX's senior director of public safety, health and environment. "He is a true change agent who has improved longstanding processes and achieved lasting outcomes." (Progressive Railroading)
Metra announced that BNSF crews will begin a major tie replacement project on the BNSF Line between Downers Grove and Aurora, Illinois. BNSF plans to replace 17,000 ties over 15 miles of track. (Progressive Railroading)
The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) last week completed California state's environmental review process for its high-speed rail route between Fresno and Bakersfield. The authority received a supplemental record of decision and federal approval of its supplemental environmental impact study that evaluates the environmental effects of a 23-mile route between Shafter and Bakersfield in the Central Valley. (Progressive Railroading)
The proposed rule would require 40 states and District of Columbia (D.C.) to develop grade crossing action plans, and 10 states to update plans they've already made and report steps they've taken to implement their plans.(Progressive Railroading)
MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board yesterday awarded a $36 million contract to Daniel O'Connell and Sons Inc. for improvements at Natick Center Station on the Framingham/Worcester commuter-rail line in Natick, Massachusetts. The project will include the construction of two elevators, two accessible ramps and two stairways, as well as the replacement of all ground level train platforms with full-length, high-level platforms, MBTA officials said in a press release.
(Progressive Railroading)
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf last week announced the approval of 141 transportation infrastructure projects for a total of $79.3 million in funding through the
Multimodal Transportation Fund
(MTF). "By making infrastructure investments in projects across the commonwealth, we will make it easier for commuters to get to and from work safely, and for businesses to transport their goods efficiently," said Wolf in a press release. "These are investments with far-reaching impacts." (Progressive Railroading)
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Member News
Focused Technology Solutions Inc.
announced that it has expanded into the global market by offering the SpikeEase at Specialised Force in Australia and Davanac in Canada. The SpikeEase is a battery-operated and hydraulic-free spike puller, company officials said in a press release. (Progressive Railroading)
Brian Chubb joins Holland as Regional Sales Manager for the Northeastern portion of the United States (U.S.). (Holland LP)
Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc. announces its wholly owned Australian subsidiary, Loram Pty Ltd., has completed the previously announced acquisition of the rail grinding business of Aurizon Operations Ltd."This acquisition is a step-change in Loram's continued expansion as a respected leader in railway maintenance contract service operations globally," said Phil Homan, Loram's President and CEO. "Loram will now deliver its unrivalled customer service to Australasia and Southeast Asia with the strength of our experienced Australian leadership team from its base in Brisbane." (RT&S)
The latest permit, valued at $3 million, deals with an existing office building at 611 Winchester Road. Pandrol USA will remodel the office building and will install injection molding machines. Pandrol USA will bring its North American headquarters to the location. It is expected to invest more than $9 million in capital in the complex. Pandrol USA is currently located in Bridgeport, N.J., but will bring 73 jobs to the new Memphis location. (RT&S)
The project, which took place during four separate weekend work blocks, included track, signals & communications and civil work.Upon job completion, PNR RailWorks had installed 7,476 feet of rail, installed 3,528 concrete ties, placed 6,400 metric tons of ballast and completed 136 welds. This project was the largest track replacement that PNR RailWorks - Eastern Region and the Metrolinx Corridor Maintenance group ever accomplished in weekend work blocks. (Railworks)
Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, has signed an agreement to acquire Vossloh North America's (ETR: VOS) Cleveland Track Material (CTM) business. The proposed acquisition aligns with Progress Rail's goal of profitable growth. With facilities located in Cleveland, Ohio; Reading, Pennsylvania; and Memphis, Tennessee; CTM has served as a supplier of special trackwork to Class I and transit railroads, delivering turnouts and crossings for North America since 1983. CTM manufactures specialty trackwork products for both freight and transit customers. (Progress Rail)
R. J. Corman's Central Kentucky Lines and Memphis Line are the recipients of ASLRRA President's Awards. The Central Kentucky Lines won 2 awards for the Southern Region: 1) Most Hours of Injury-Free Operation and 2) Best Safety Rate for 150,000 to 250,000 Man-Hours Worked. The Memphis Line won Best Safety Rate for 50,000 to 150,000 Man-Hours Worked. (R.J. Corman Railroad Group)
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