Amtrak funding nearly set for FY12

Given previous years in its existence where “zero funding” was a mantra for its critics, Amtrak may do better than expected in its federal fiscal year 2012 budget, reported out of conference committee Tuesday night. But its operations funding will be somewhat lean.

Amtrak’s capital funding was actually increased by the conference committee to $952 million, up from both the House ($899 million) and Senate ($937 million) recommendations for FY12, which began Oct. 1.

The conference committee also excised House language that would forbid Amtrak from using federal appropriations to help fund state-supported trains, a move that would decimate Amtrak multi-frequency routes throughout much of the nation, save the Northeast Corridor.

Amtrak FY12 operations funding, pegged at $466 million, is described as “perilously tight” and unlikely to aid system expansion, according to one industry observer on Capitol Hill.

In a move that impacts both Amtrak and U.S. high speed rail hopes, all High Speed/Corridor Development/Congestion Relief money has been removed; the Senate bill had included $100 million.

Still intact are equipment orders for long-distance passenger rail cars being supplied by CAF and electric engines being built by Siemens Mobility.

The conference committee markup now goes to both the House and Senate for final approval.