Long-Distance Corridor Relief Act

## Summary This bill, titled the *Long-Distance Corridor Relief Act*, aims to streamline the selection process for long-distance intercity passenger rail corridors under the federal Corridor Identification and Development Program. Currently, the Secretary of Transportation must evaluate whether non-Federal funding (such as state, local, or private contributions) is committed or anticipated for proposed rail routes when deciding which corridors to prioritize. The bill removes this requirement specifically for long-distance routes, allowing the Secretary to select corridors based solely on other factors like public interest, transportation needs, or regional connectivity, without factoring in the availability of non-Federal funds. Proponents argue this could accelerate the development of critical long-distance rail services, particularly in areas where securing upfront funding is challenging, while critics may worry it could shift more financial burden to the federal government. ## Key Points - Redesignates existing paragraphs in federal law as subparagraphs for clarity and structure. - Adds a new exception clause: The Secretary of Transportation is explicitly prohibited from considering non-Federal funding commitments or projections for long-distance intercity rail corridors. - Maintains existing criteria for corridor selection, such as population density, economic benefits, and environmental impacts, but removes funding considerations for long-distance routes. - Limits the exception to long-distance routes, meaning non-Federal funding will still be evaluated for shorter or regional corridors. - Codifies a policy shift to prioritize rail corridor development based on strategic value rather than immediate financial feasibility. ## Impact Areas - Federal Railroad Administration (FRA): The agency will need to adjust its evaluation process for rail corridor proposals under the Corridor Program. - State and local governments: May face reduced pressure to secure non-Federal funding upfront for long-distance routes, potentially enabling more proposals to advance. - Passenger rail expansion efforts: Could see increased federal support for long-distance routes, especially in underserved regions, improving connectivity and service access. - Federal budget: Might lead to higher federal costs if more corridors are selected without guaranteed non-Federal contributions. - Rail advocacy groups and communities: Beneficiaries could include rural areas or regions with strong rail demand but limited local funding resources. *Note: The Corridor Identification and Development Program is a federal initiative that identifies potential rail corridors and provides technical assistance for their development.*