**Kuster introduced a previous version of this legislation in the 116th Congress**

Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) reintroduced her bipartisan legislation, the Invest in American Railroads Act. This legislation would make critical improvements to the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program (RRIF) and help New Hampshire pay for the Capitol Corridor Project to connect Manchester, Nashua, and Concord to Boston via commuter rail. Rep. Kuster reintroduced the legislation alongside Representatives Lloyd K. Smucker (R-PA) and Chris Pappas (D-NH).

“Passenger rail has the potential to create endless opportunities for our Granite State communities and regional economy,” said Rep. Kuster. “Bringing passenger rail to New Hampshire will spur economic competitiveness, keep Granite Staters from spending hours sitting in traffic, and ensure businesses in the Southern Tier and across New Hampshire can attract the best and brightest minds in the region. This legislation is a win-win for working families and our economy, and I urge my colleagues to support this effort to improve our national, regional, and local transportation infrastructure.”  

“Access to a strong network of short line, regional and passenger rail service has strengthened economic growth and created high-paying jobs across my district,” said Rep. Lloyd Smucker. “I am proud to join Rep. Kuster in working to reform existing rail financing programs which could unleash billions of dollars of investment in new rail services while ensuring that they are working to their fullest potential for the American taxpayer.”

“As we look to the future to plan how we rebuild our economy and put people back to work, investing in our rail infrastructure is essential, especially in regards to business and workforce development which will rely on modern transportation infrastructure,” said Congressman Pappas. “This legislation is an important step in the process of extending passenger rail from Manchester and Nashua to Boston via the Capitol Corridor project, which will be an economic game-changer for our entire state. I look forward to continuing to work with Congresswoman Kuster to keep building bipartisan consensus and support to make expanded rail a reality for Granite Staters.”

The RRIF program was created by Congress in 1998 to support the development of passenger and short line railroads by authorizing the Department of Transportation to issue funds to public or private entities for the purpose of rehabilitating or building new tracks, bridges, rail yards, and other support structures. However, the program is significantly underutilized. The Invest in American Railroads Act will enable states, local governments, and private groups to use RRIF to upgrade existing rail infrastructure and develop new lines and rail facilities.

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