AASHTO Journal - AASHTO Annual Rail Council Meeting Set for September

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials plans to hold its 2024 Council on Rail Transportation or CORT Annual Meeting September 23- 26 in Norfolk, VA. To register for this meeting, click here.

[Above image by AASHTO]

Chaired by Marc Williams, executive director of the Texas Department of Transportation, the yearly gathering of the Council on Rail Transportation – which assists states in their efforts to develop an efficient national freight and passenger rail system – will feature up-to-date information of interest to state DOTs and their partners, including:

Opening remarks by Jennifer Mitchell, deputy administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration.
A briefing on the reauthorization of rail programs under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act or IIJA. Experts will discuss the issues of importance in the reauthorization of the IIJA for state rail programs and rail stakeholders, highlighting new funding opportunities as well as needed programmatic changes and policy shifts.
A panel discussion on the latest innovations and best practices aimed at preventing accidents and enhancing overall rail safety. Topics will include advancements in rail infrastructure, safety technologies, risk management strategies, and successful safety initiatives.
A session focused on strategies to streamline the planning process and optimize National Environmental Policy Act or NEPA compliance for rail projects. Attendees will learn about innovative approaches to reduce timelines and costs while ensuring thorough environmental reviews.
A discussion focused on how to deliver rail projects and services efficiently and effectively, which is crucial for meeting public and stakeholder expectations. This discussion will focus on project management, stakeholder collaboration, and overcoming common challenges in project and service delivery.
A panel discussion that will explore cutting-edge technologies transforming rail transportation, including automation, data analytics, and advanced materials. Additionally, this session will examine the skills and training needed to prepare the next generation of the rail workforce to adapt to these technological advancements, ensuring a smooth transition and continued industry growth.
A session to explore the latest advancements in rail transportation in Virginia. Panelists from various state agencies advancing rail transportation will discuss their ongoing initiatives, innovative projects, and strategic plans to enhance rail infrastructure and services.
A review of numerous grant recipients who have leveraged IIJA funding to enhance rail transportation. Panelists will highlight key achievements, innovative approaches, as well as the positive impacts of these awards in states and communities.

The meeting will also feature other programming including but not limited to a tour of the Port of Virginia; the AASHTO Freight States Meeting; an FRA regional offices & state departments of transportation roundtable breakfast; an FRA Corridor ID grant program workshop, and a Federal Highway Administration-state DOT-railroad coordination workshop.

To register for CORT’s annual meeting, click here.