July 2024 NRC Bulletin

July 31, 2024

NRC Chairman’s Column:  NRC Contractors and Suppliers Are Busy … and Doing Great Work

Chairman Joe Daloisio’s column in the July issue of RT&S magazine acknowledges what we all know too well this time of year: ”Business is strong so that means we all are working hard to advance projects during warm weather and more daylight hours.”

Joe helps out busy members by sharing a quick roundup of what the NRC has accomplished recently and what’s to come in the months ahead. Readers get a brief snapshot about auction results, advocacy work on Capitol Hill, veteran recruiting, applying for an NRC scholarship, and other awards coming up this fall.

If you missed it in the magazine, take a few minutes to read this informative NRC update: NRC Chairman’s Column –– NRC Contractors and Suppliers Are Busy . . . and Doing Great Work - Railway Track and Structures

The 2024 NRC Scholarship Program is now Open. Submit your Application today!

It's time to apply for an NRC Scholarship. If you work for an NRC member company and are a student or a parent or grandparent of a college-age student, take advantage of this opportunity to win a scholarship. The NRC has awarded more than $200,000 in scholarships to deserving students. Don't delay, the application deadline is August 30. Click here to find out all the details and how to apply: Scholarship Program

NRC Education and Scholarship Committee Promotes Railway Careers at Michigan Tech "Tracks to the Future" Program

The NRC joined Michigan Tech, the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration and other industry leaders at summer youth program Tracks to the Future held at Michigan Tech as to promote railway careers to high school students. The event educates students that railroads are the high-tech and environmentally sensitive transporation mode. Other participants included faculty at Universities from across the country to teach regarding the infrastructure, global equipment, and communication and control systems.

Veteran committee chair Maggie Vuono shared "Thank you to committe members for your participation in Tracks to the Future. We hope to continue inspiring and educating the next generation of railroad professionals, showing them how railroads are not only a cutting-edge and eco-friendly mode of transportation but also a dynamic career path with endless possibilities. Your support plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our industry and fostering a new wave of talent and innovation." If you are interested in participating at future events, please email info@nrcma.org.

NRC Members: NRC 2024-2025 Membership Renewal Period Now Open!

Renew in time for NRC 2025 Conference Registration. Your dues invoice are posted to your organization’s primary account-holder's account. To view your organization’s invoice when it’s processed, please visit www.nrcma.org and login with your username and password. Once you are logged in, you will see the invoice in the ‘my invoices’ section. The invoice will present your organization with a few options on how to renew your NRC membership.

We greatly appreciate your NRC Membership, and look forward to having you all re-join this year! If you have any questions at all or would like any other additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out to marian@nrcma.org.

Celebrating the Life of Walter "Jerry" Jerome Riegel, Jr.: A Lifetime of Commitment to Railroad Contracting

It is with deep respect and heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of NRC member Walter "Jerry" Jerome Riegel, Jr. Jerry was a proud railroad contractor who spent over five decades in the construction business, following in the footsteps of his father. The family businesses included Atlas Contracting, WJ Riegel and Sons, Inc, and most recently WJ Riegel Rail Solutions, LLC. Jerry and his brother John also owned and operated the Upper Hudson River Railroad in North Creek, N.Y., from 1999-2010. Jerry was born on November 20, 1942 in Yonkers, N.Y., and grew up in White Plains. Jerry's legacy will continue to inspire and influence the railroad community and beyond. To read the full obituary, please click here.

FRA Releases Notice of Funding for 2023-2024 Railroad Crossing Elimination Program

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has announced the application process for the Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Program for FY 2023 and 2024, funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Eligible applicants, including states, local governments, and tribal entities, can apply for projects aimed at improving safety and mobility at highway-rail grade crossings. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by September 23, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EST. The program offers up to $1.15 billion in funding and focuses on projects such as grade separation, track relocation, and safety device installation. Applicants should follow the detailed guidelines and ensure their Project Narrative does not exceed 25 pages. Click here to read more about the application process for the Railroad Crossing Elimination NOFO.

The FRA and DOT Issues Second Supplement to Safety Advisory 2023-01

Following a series of rail accidents, including the Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, U.S. DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg has called for improved rail safety measures and regulatory action. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has responded with a comprehensive plan, initiating a focused Route Assessment of high-hazard flammable trains (HHFTs) and issuing multiple safety advisories.

These advisories emphasize enhancing the reliability of hot bearing detectors (HBDs), improving rail infrastructure, and developing best practices for wayside detector usage. The FRA's recommendations include rigorous review of HBD systems, enhanced training for personnel, and better data-sharing among railroads. Additionally, the FRA is conducting a supplemental safety assessment of Norfolk Southern and has proposed new regulations through the Rail Safety Advisory Committee. The ongoing efforts aim to address recent derailments and improve overall rail safety. Click Here to read the full safety advisory from the FRA and DOT.

STB to Hold Rare Hearing on Freight Rail Investment and Growth Strategies

Federal regulators are convening a rare public hearing with executives from the six Class I freight railroads to address recent declines in carload volumes and discuss future growth strategies. Scheduled for September 16-17 at the Surface Transportation Board (STB) headquarters, the hearing will include testimonies from railroad customers, suppliers, and rail labor. The STB's notice highlights a 28% drop in railroad carload traffic over the past decade and aims to explore how railroads plan to reverse this trend through investment and innovation. The board is seeking detailed growth plans and feedback on how rail carriers can enhance their services to attract more shippers. The hearing is seen as both a regulatory and political move by STB Chairman Robert Primus to ensure the industry's health and align with the Biden administration's environmental goals.

Amtrak Awards $1.6 Billion Contract for Major East River Tunnel Rehabilitation

Amtrak has awarded a $1.6 billion contract to Skanska E-J ERT Joint Venture for the major rehabilitation of the East River Tunnel, which links Manhattan and Queens and was heavily damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The East River Tunnel Rehabilitation Project will involve demolishing the damaged sections of the tunnel and restoring them while minimizing service disruptions by closing one tube at a time. The project includes extensive repairs, track upgrades, and modernization of safety systems. Funded largely by a $1.26 billion Federal Railroad Administration grant from the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, with additional contributions from Amtrak, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and NJ Transit, construction is set to begin later this year and continue through 2027. This initiative aims to enhance service for over 450 daily trains and support regional economic growth.