New FRA Nominee is Amtrak Supporter

New FRA Nominee Is Amtrak Supporter

Joseph Boardman, President Bush’s recent nominee to be the next FRA Administrator has indicated that he supports Amtrak.

At his Senate confirmation hearing on April 12, Boardman said that he is opposed to the Bush Administration’s plan to end funding for Amtrak. After the hearing Mr. Boardman said that the proposal to eliminate the funding had brought needed attention to Amtrak’s condition. He said that both President Bush and Transportation Secretary Mineta “believe that this is generating. . .a debate about the future.”

He also indicated that he intends to be tougher than his predecessors when it comes to railroad safety inspections and security against terrorist threats.

Joseph Boardman is the current New York State Transportation Commissioner. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) said he is supporting Boardman’s nomination, in part, because Boardman “assured me he would fight hard for Amtrak.” Mr. Boardman is expected to be confirmed by the Senate.

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