The legislation, to be entitled, The American Railroad Revitalization, Investment and Enhancement Act of the 21st Century (ARRIVE-21), will be introduced in November and is expected to be the starting point in 2004 for a new effort at winning bi-partisan support for rail-related federal funding that has been stalled this year by partisan bickering.

The bill's initial sponsors will be Fritz Hollings of South Carolina, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee, and Sen. Thomas Carper (D-Del.)., an enthusiastic Amtrak and railroad supporter. They intend to enlist Republicans as additional bill sponsors.

"Senate Democrats intend to work closely with their Republican counterparts, including Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), chairman of the Senate subcommittee with railroad oversight," said UTU National Legislative Director James Brunkenhoefer. UTU International President Byron A. Boyd Jr. will be on Capitol Hill as final details are ironed out prior to the bill's introduction.

The intent is for a rail-funding bill to be included with a new multi-year highway funding bill that both Democrats and Republicans say is "must pass" legislation in 2004.

Among provisions of the bill are to make some $30 billion available to states and to Amtrak over the next two decades for high-speed rail projects. Freight railroads would be eligible for funds directed at line rehabilitation and upgrades, safety advances, security enhancements and projects to improve freight mobility such as by expanding intermodal yards. Additional federal investments would be made in improving highways that connect rail intermodal yards with ports and metropolitan areas.

"We have ensured that the legislation contains a strong 'buy America' provision, which would require that, to the greatest extent possible, all supplies and components used for these projects be produced in the United States," Boyd said.

The bill also would authorize a minimum of $1.5 billion for Amtrak operating and capital expenses over the next six years.