FRA administrator pitches GROW AMERICA

   Last week, Joseph Szabo, administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, made a pitch for the GROW AMERICA Act, saying “we have to work harder than ever to create a framework that will ensure these goods move safely, reliably and efficiently.”
   Speaking at the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Division Convention in San Diego, he said the act will send $19 billion to the FRA to create a high-tech rail network.
   “For the first time ever, rail will achieve predictable, dedicated funding – like all other transportation modes — and allow it to grow as a safe, cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and efficient way to move people and goods.
   “As we look toward the year 2050, we know freight railroads are going to play a growing role in moving more than 4 billion more tons of freight across the network, and a much greater role in meeting this nation energy’s needs,” he said. “We have to drive continuous safety improvement, protect communities, and see that every railroader goes home safely.”