REMSA Supplier Showcases at NAMRC Class I Nights

REMSA's final Supplier Showcase of 2024 will take place in Fort Worth on May 23.



Don't miss out: space is limited. Learn more and apply on our website.

Event Schedule:

3:00-4:00 p.m.: Event setup

4:00-6:30 p.m.: Supplier showcase open: attendees invited to visit exhibits during reception

6:30 p.m.: Showcase ends as dinner begins; exhibit tear down

Each space includes one (1) skirted table and two (2) chairs, as well as one NAMRC dinner ticket.

If you have additional questions about these events, contact Heidi Baker at baker@remsa.org.

Washington Update

Last week, more than 30 House and Senate Democrats sent a letter urging EPA to tighten air pollution standards for locomotives “to protect the health of rail workers and fenceline communities, and to close existing loopholes that rail carriers exploit to keep outdated, dirty trains on the tracks.” Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) and Reps. Summer Lee (D-PA) and Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL), who led the letter, said EPA’s current locomotive emissions standards “have not been updated since 2008, and as of 2016, nearly 50 percent of existing locomotives were uncontrolled, with no standards for any pollutants.” They also asked DOT and EPA to prioritize union labor in rail grant awards. In addition to this letter, REMSA signed on to a letter with other rail supplier associations on the California’s Air Resources Board’s (CARB) proposed locomotive emissions ruling. To read that letter, please click here.

On March 29, the FY23-24 combined CRISI Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) was released officially in the federal register. The total combined funding available under this NOFO is just under $2.5 billion. The purpose of the CRISI Program is to invest in a wide range of projects within the United States to improve railroad safety, efficiency, and reliability; mitigate congestion at both intercity passenger rail and freight rail chokepoints to support more efficient travel and goods movement; enhance multi-modal connections; and lead to new or substantially improved Intercity Passenger Rail Transportation corridors. To view the NOFO, please click here. In addition to the CRISI FY23-24 NOFO being released, the DOT’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced that $450 million in discretionary grant funding would be available in FY24 through MARAD’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP). The PIDP grants help applicants complete critical and port-related infrastructure projects in urban, rural, and tribal communities. Please click here to learn to read this article from USDOT.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is proposing mandatory minimum standards to protect those who perform track work for rail transit agencies nationwide. Under a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking transit agencies would be required to "create a protection program geared at personnel who work on or around the tracks, implement comprehensive training for workers, and ensure that unsafe acts and conditions are reported". FTA says it is also seeking feedback on the level of participation that safety committees may have in the proposed rule. The FTA urges stakeholders to submit comments on this proposed rulemaking for the transit industry to the Federal Register comment docket, which will be open for 60 days until May 24, 2024. To read more regarding the FTA Proposed Mandatory Minimum Standards, please click here.

On March 23, Following months of Continuing Resolutions and hyper-partisan discussions about border/Ukraine/Israel funding, early in the morning on the US Senate passed a $1.2 trillion spending package by a vote or 74-24, sending the package to President Biden for signing, who quickly signed the package soon thereafter. The six appropriations funding bills passed were Defense; Financial Services; Homeland Security; Labor/HHS/Education; Legislative Branch; and State/Foreign Operations.

In late March, the STB’s announced in a press release the Passenger Rail Advisory Committee (PRAC) appointees. There are 21 members with term lengths all ranging from 2-3 years. The new members of the PRAC were appointed by Oberman, approved by the board, and will advise the Board on issues impacting passenger rail service during their terms. They include Rail Shippers, Rail Passenger Advocacy Organizations, Labor, Class 1s, 2s, and 3s, as well as Amtrak and Commuter Rail.

Maggie Kukovich Director Class I Sales, Engineering & Track Services

What do you enjoy most about being on the REMSA Board?

Being on the REMSA Board has been such an honor. The best part of being on the board is being able to help the railroad community continue to network and engage during our annual conference. Come see us in Louisville, KY July 9-10 for the 2024 REMSA + RSSI Exhibition in Louisville, KY. Booths are still available! 

What has your experience on REMSA Board taught you and what is your vision for the future of REMSA?

The REMSA Board has taught me how important it is to keep this industry together and continue to learn from one another. There are so many advances in technology happening around us. The REMSA Board brings our members and Railroaders together to continue show casing what’s new and happening in the industry.  

How did you get started in the rail industry?

I began working in the rail industry in 2006, after serving in the Army for five years. The railroad industry found me, and I am so glad it did! So, 18 years later, I am still a servant leader in this great industry working for Progress Rail.

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

The people! Easily the people! This is a unique industry, in which people outside the industry do not understand how the railroad affects our infrastructure and supply chain. The continued focus from all Railroaders to make this industry better from one day to the next is very empowering. 

What do you find yourself doing most in your downtime? Hobbies outside of work?

Spending my free time with my family is always #1, as I travel for work. My husband and I enjoy fishing, boating, and sporting events with our two sons every chance we get.

How do you define the “future” of rail? Where do you think the industry is headed?

The “future” of rail is headed in the right direction and always has been. I don’t know too many other industries that have been around 150+ years and are still growing. Looking back 18 years ago when I joined this industry, it still amazes me all the technology and safety advancements that have been and continue to be implemented.

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 baker@remsa.org to apply today.

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. This program highlights REMSA members' products and services throughout the industry and to members of Congress, which helps to advance REMSA's legislative agenda in Washington.

If you are interested in hosting a grassroots event at your facility please reach out to Mike McGonagle at mcgonagle@remsa.org. Download and share the the new REMSA Grassroots Events flyer to learn more.

Welcome New REMSA Members

Supercom Industries First Nations partnership created in 2016. Originally created to specifically maximize employment and economic benefits during the construction of the East-West Tie (EWT) Transmission line, the success of Supercom exemplified that partnerships create strength and value. Upon completion of the project, the shareholders provided direction for staff to seek out other opportunities.