Amtrak president says Bush funding proposal would shut down railroad [View All]

[MaineDem]

WASHINGTON (AP) President Bush's proposal to give Amtrak just over half what it is seeking in federal subsidies would shut the railroad down just as more passengers are taking the train, Amtrak President David Gunn said Tuesday.

For fiscal 2005 starting in October, Amtrak asked for $1.798 billion, or about $300 million more than it had available for 2004. The new request includes a $570 million operating subsidy, repayment of a $100 million government loan and $791 million for replacing rails and ties, repairing bridges and overhauling major equipment.

Bush proposed giving the railroad $900 million in the new budget year.

''The president's number is a shutdown number,'' Gunn said during a meeting with reporters.

http://www.boston.com/dailynews/041/wash/Amtrak_president_says_Bush_fun:.shtml