NRC Bulletin - January 30, 2020

January 2020 NRC Bulletin

January 30, 2020

NRC Updates and Announcements

NRC Announces New Logo, Rolls Out New Website at NRC 2020 Conference

NRC Staff proudly announced to attendees of the NRC 2020 Conference at the Hotel Del Coronado that the association has a new logo (seen to left of this, and in the top right corner of The Bulletin). The new logo reflects the key attributes our members told us best describe the NRC: Connected, Educational, and Strategic Thinking.

Along with the new logo announcement, the NRC launched a new website that better conveys the NRC's value proposition and benefits to membership. The new website features more information in a user-friendly layout. Please visit the NRC website at www.nrcma.org , Look for testimonials from our members about the benefits they gain from membership. If you have any questions at all, please contact NRC Staff at info@nrcma.org

DC Debrief: President Trump Signs USMCA, House Democrats Unveil $760 billion, five-year Infrastructure Plan

Wednesday morning, President Donald Trump signed into law the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), marking a significant moment in his presidency. Before the deal is fully ratified and can replace NAFTA, Canada must first agree and then all sides must meet several obligations of the Agreement.

Also on January 29, the Democratic Leadership and Caucus in the House of Representatives unveiled a $760 billion framework proposal to address America's growing infrastructure needs. To view the framework of the bill, please click here. A highlight of the proposal are $434 billion in surface transportation spending over five years, including $105 billion for public transit and $55 billion for passenger rail.

The framework has been compiled through the work of Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ), and Ways and Means Committee Chair Richard Neal (D-MA). The group's foremost goal is to help communities around the country undertake projects that are smarter, safer, and made to last.

Railroad Day on the Hill is March 4th!

Railroad Day is the day we put a real face on the issues that matter most to the Railroad Industry! It is a day where Railroad Contractors and Suppliers join forces with Short lines, Regional's, Class I's to tell our important story to Congress!

Anyone may attend and is highly encouraged to do so. To register, please click here. Once you register, your appointments with the appropriate congressional leaders and staffs will be scheduled and you will be matched with other industry colleagues. As info, there is one week left to register under the current group rate at the Hyatt Regency Washington; to book a room please click here.

If you have any questions, please contact NRC staff at info@nrcma.org.

FRA Launches Portal to Report Blocked Crossings

On December 20th, 2019 the FRA established a new, dedicated webpage for the public to report blocked highway-rail grade crossings. Communities have dealt with blocked crossings for a variety of reasons for years. The FRA is seeking broad public input to better understand the scope of the problem and engage with impacted parties.

To access the new page please visit https://www.fra.dot.gov/blockedcrossings/ . Once there, you will be prompted to provide information on the blocked crossing including date, time, location, and the duration. The FRA approximates it will take anyone filling out a report an average of only three minutes.

"RRIF Express" Launches

On December 12th, 2020 the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced a new pilot program to expedite long-term, low-cost loans for America's short line and regional freight railroads. The Railroad Rehabilitation and Investment Financing Express (RRIF Express) is aimed at reducing time and costs associated with securing important investments.

Under DOT leadership, the Build America Bureau will administer the new program to support economic activity. In addition to expediting the loan-handling process requests, the program will provide up to $26 million in additional financial support. For more information, please visit http://www.transportation.gov/buildamerica/rrif-express .

Apply Now - 2020 Rail Programs at Michigan State!

Michigan State University's Center for Railway Research and Education with support from its Broad College of Business has upcoming 2020 programs available. Please note that the deadline is fast approaching! From learning about the next iteration of their acclaimed Railway Management Certificate Program to taking the Business Administration module, this is a great chance to further hone your Railroad business acumen.

Click here to learn more about what they have to offer, and for more information please contact Sue Lonier at loniers@msu.edu or Nick Little at littlen@msu.edu.

Kraemer North America Looking for Safety Manager

Kraemer North America, LLC, a national heavy-civil contractor, is currently looking for an experienced Safety Manager to join our National Railroad Group in Eau Claire, WI. Kraemer works with numerous rail clients throughout the Midwest and Pacific West (BNSF, UP, KCS, WSOR, Canadian National, Canadian Pacific, etc.) to sustain and improve the capacity of their freight, commuter, and light rail systems. For more information and to apply, please visit http://kraemerna.com/careers/ .”

New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Seeking MOW Manager

New Orleans Public Belt Railroad is seeking a Maintenance-of-Way Manager to join their team! The ideal candidate will be responsible for assisting the Vice President, Engineering and Manager, Maintenance/Faculties, supervise Track Inspector(s), Track Foremen, Trackmen, Machine Operators, and others who assist with the performance of track-related services.

They will also coordinate and facilitate maintenance of all NOPB owned or leased railroad tracks and switches and ensures compliance with all provisions of 49 CFR Part 213 – Track Safety, and Part 214 – Railroad Workplace Safety. To learn more and apply, please visit: https://www.railnola.com/community/careers

Camp Chase Railway Bid Solicitation

Camp Chase Railway (CAMY) is soliciting bids from qualified bidders to purchase 3000 new 7” x 9” x 8’ 6” hardwood railroad ties FOB Columbus, OH. Ties must be Industrial Grade per AREMA and AWPA specifications, and copper naphthenate pressure treated with end plates. Bundled and banded for truck delivery by March 6, 2020.

To submit bids please call 765-825-0316 or email bkeener@ibcxrail.com to request additional information. Bids will be due no later than 5:00pm ET on February 20, 2020 at 916 Vine Street, Connersville, IN 47331. Bids may also be submitted electronically, with contact information being provided on request.

Industry News and Updates

FTA awards major grant, loan to Sound Transit for Federal Way Link light-rail extension

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced on January 23, 2020 it has awarded Sound Transit a $790 million grant to extend the transit agency's light-rail system 7.8 miles in King County, Washington, and also approved the agency a $629.5 million loan. The grant funding will help the agency's Federal Way Link extension project. The grant was awarded through FTA’s Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program which provides funding for major capital investment projects nationwide .

VTA seeks small business contractors for BART extension project

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) will host an industry event February 11th to encourage small business contractors to get involved in a VTA project that will help extend Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) rail service into Santa Clara County, California. The agency is seeking contractors with expertise in heavy civil construction, tunneling, track and system, building demolition, and utility relocation.

LA Metro clears contractors to compete for Sepulveda transit project

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) selected five contractors to compete for the chance to compete for the chance to help develop the Sepulveda transit corridor. Initially the developer teams met for the Predevelopment Agreement, but now they have the opportunity to enter into an implementation agreement. The contractors selected were ACS Infrastructure Development, LA SkyRail Express, Bechtel, Fengate and the Tutor Perini, Parsons & Plenary joint venture.

Affiliates of Paceline Equity Partners acquire rail maintenance leasing business from subsidiary of Caterpillar

On January 2nd, 2020 affiliates of Paceline Equity Partners, LLC ("Paceline"), a Dallas-based private equity manager announced that they had acquired Progress Rail Equipment Leasing Corporation (PRELC), a leading lessor of railroad maintenance-of-way equipment and services from proud NRC Member Progress Rail, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. Headquartered just outside of Detroit, MI, PRELC provides its customers with an expansive fleet of MOW equipment.

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The NRC is a trade association representing businesses from across the nation in the rail construction and maintenance field. The NRC’s member companies range in size from small family businesses to the largest companies in the industry. NRC members perform work for transit, commuter, intercity passenger, industrial, and freight rail customers, with services including track construction and maintenance, grade crossings, signal and communications installation, bridge construction and repair, rail yard work, and many more. The NRC strives to put an emphasis on rail safety and quality while proudly serving the rail industry.