2021 Adopted Resolutions

Support for Transformative Investments in Rail

Resolution Number: 87

WHEREAS, due to past actions of the federal government, the United States' national rail infrastructure lags the rest of the world; and

WHEREAS, investments in rail support the economy, climate and equity; and

WHEREAS, a cleaner environment and more equitable access to jobs and education depend critically on regional rail connections; and

WHEREAS, we support frequent and reliable rail service that will expand economic opportunities, provide important connections between our cities and towns as well as within critical regions nationally, and create regional centers of innovation and opportunity nationwide; and

WHEREAS, improved passenger rail service would improve regional connections between major urban centers, unlock the economic potential of America's cities, and facilitate interstate travel and commerce while reducing emissions and congestion; and

WHEREAS, enhanced passenger rail would increase the capacity, safety, and efficiency of freight rail operations in regions across the country, reducing travel times for operators; and

WHEREAS, reliable, extensive high-speed rail is available in countries across the world; and

WHEREAS, these rail projects share a common set of benefits: creating jobs, relieving traffic congestion, improving air quality, unleashing transit-oriented development, and enabling the nation to invest in its future; and

WHEREAS, now is the opportunity for bold and transformative investments in rail that will pay dividends for our nation's long-term infrastructure and sharpen America's competitive edge in the world; and

WHEREAS, President Biden has called for "sparking the next great railroad revolution,"

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors urges the Administration and Congress to make intercity and high-speed rail a top priority for infrastructure investment and help the country realize the vision of the second great railroad revolution; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors calls upon the Administration and Congress to implement the U.S. High Speed Rail Association's (USHSR) recommendation to establish a dedicated high-speed rail development authority within the United States Department of Transportation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors calls on Congress to increase annual operating and capital appropriations for passenger rail nationwide, to not only achieve a state of good repair for the nation's existing rail infrastructure, but to reclaim global leadership in transportation by creating a world-class high-speed rail system for the people of the United States.