AASHTO Journal - Agenda Released for AASHTO’s Rail Winter Meeting

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials recently released additional information regarding the agenda for its Council on Rail Transportation’s Winter Legislative Meeting, which will be held January 27-30 at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel in Arlington, VA. To register for this meeting, click here.

[Above photo by AASHTO]

The council’s general session will be held on January 29 and the AASHTO Freight States meeting will be held on the morning of January 30.

During the council’s general session, state rail officials will engage with key federal, congressional, Amtrak, plus other passenger and freight rail stakeholders on a range of policy and economic issues.

Michael Lestingi, executive director of the Federal Railroad Administration, will provide the morning keynote speech on January 29; discussing federal railroad initiatives, regulatory changes, and funding opportunities that are of particular importance to state rail programs.

Robert Primus, Chairman of Surface Transportation Board, will provide the afternoon keynote address on January 29, highlighting the STB’s priorities and actions shaping the future of rail transportation, as well as providing valuable insights into the agency’s role in addressing critical rail challenges and opportunities.

The FRA will be featured in two panels at AASHTO’s Winter Rail Meeting. The first – organized as a “fireside discussion” – will cover key policy priorities and updates, as well as funding opportunities. Participating in the discussion will be representatives from the agency’s Office of Railroad Development, Office of Safety, plus Office of Industry Data and Economic Analysis.

The second FRA panel discussion will provide deeper insights into the agency’s latest safety efforts in rail transportation, offer vital information for maintaining high safety standards in state rail operations, and project delivery updates on various environmental and rail infrastructure efforts.

Other AASHTO sessions at AASHTO’s Winter Rail Meeting include:

A panel of Amtrak officials on the organization’s latest initiatives; featuring updates from key Amtrak divisions on various topics, including project development and planning; product development and customer experience; loyalty and engagement programs; equipment; and network development.
A panel of key congressional staff members will engage in a comprehensive discussion on legislative rail policy developments shaping the future of rail transportation in the U.S., providing insights into the upcoming surface transportation funding reauthorization process, updates on rail safety, and the ongoing implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Representatives from leading rail associations will provide updates on policy initiatives; a session designed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among state DOTs and rail associations. Topics will include recent advancements, policy development, and shared priorities in the rail sector.
The Freight States meeting on the morning of January 30, which discuss critical issues concerning freight rail with policy updates from key industry partners from the shortline and class one railroads.

To register for the AASHTO Council on Rail Transportation’s Winter Legislative Meeting, click here.