Friday, December 04, 2009 (Washington, DC) More Than 30 Companies Commit To Establish or Expand Manufacturing Operations in the United States

WASHINGTON – Noting the need to create good jobs in America and the importance of a revitalized manufacturing sector, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced that more than 30 rail manufacturers and suppliers, both domestic and foreign, have committed to establish or expand their base of operations in the United States if they are chosen by states or groups of states to build America’s next generation high-speed rail lines. Earlier this year President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which included $8 billion for states to build high-speed rail corridors and improve intercity passenger rail service.

“Our goal is to develop a national high-speed rail network, create good jobs here in America and help reinvigorate our manufacturing base,” said Secretary LaHood. “We know these are tough economic times for many folks and we believe that U.S. rail manufacturers and suppliers will benefit greatly from this new program. We also look forward to establishing joint ventures with foreign firms who can provide expertise and establish or expand their operations here in the U.S.”

LaHood made his announcement at a discussion with more than 100 business leaders, union representatives, industry groups and experts on President Obama’s vision for the development of high-speed rail and intercity passenger rail in Washington, DC.

In April, President Obama released a strategic plan outlining his vision for high speed rail in America. The plan identifies $8 billion provided in the Recovery Act and $1 billion a year for five years requested in the federal budget as a down payment to jump-start the program.

“We believe that the President’s plan for high-speed rail will provide a real transportation alternative for millions of Americans, while also creating jobs in many communities throughout the country,” said Federal Railroad Administration Administrator Joe Szabo.

Support for the program has been strong nationwide. The Federal Railroad Administration has received numerous grant applications from states and groups of states. This includes 45 applications from 24 states totaling approximately $50 billion to advance large high-speed rail corridor programs and 214 applications from 34 states totaling $7 billion for corridor planning and smaller projects. Award announcements will be made this winter.

These proposals aim to spur economic development while providing Americans with clean, energy-efficient transportation choices in the decades to come.

A live webcast of the event, as well as an archived version, can be viewed at: www.tvworldwide.com/events/dot/091204 .

Below is a list of rail manufacturers and suppliers that have committed to establish or expand their base of operations in the United States and American manufacturing jobs if they are chosen by states or groups of states to build America’s next generation high-speed rail lines or improve intercity passenger rail service:

GE Transportation
Wabtec
Columbus Steel Castings
Bombardier
ALSTOM
TALGO
Kawasaki Rail Car
Siemens
Hyundai Rotem USA
Motive Power
National Railway Equipment Company
CAF USA
US Railcar
Nippon Sharyo
Electro-Motive Diesel
Ansaldo STS
Lockheed Martin
Safetran Systems Corporation
Tangent Rail
Amsted Rail
AnsaldoBreda
American Railcar Industries
CXT Tie
Railroad Controls
A&K Railroad Materials
Cleveland Track Material, Inc
New York Air Brake
Plasser American
Simmons Machine Tool
Ellcon-National
Harsco Rail
ORX Railway