News Wire Digest Fourth Section for Thursday, March 19 NEWSWIRE

Still more Thursday rail news:

— The trade organization for U.S. transit agencies is asking for more than $12 billion in federal emergency aid to help agencies deal with the increased costs and dramatic drop in ridership revenue stemming from the COVID-19 virus. In a “Call to Action” message to its members, the American Public Transportation Association says it is asking for $12.875 billion for public transit as part of Congress’ next package of virus-relief legislation: $1.75 billion to deal with direct costs (cleaning); $6 billion to offset farebox revenue loss; $4.875 billion to offset loss of dedicated sales tax revenue, a primary funding source; and $250 million for restart costs.

— The Trump Administration’s latest request to Congress for coronavirus-related aid includes $500 million for Amtrak, about half of what the passenger railroad has asked. Reuters reports the $45.8-billion supplemental funding request includes $13.1 billion for the Veterans Administration to fund treatment of the COVID-19 virus, as well as an additional $1.3 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

— Clearwater County, Idaho, will decline a Federal Railroad Adminstration grant to restore rail service between Jaype and Lewiston, Idaho, the Clearwater Tribune reports. The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant of $3.24 million was awarded in 2017 for the Bountiful Grain Craig Mountain Railroad for work on the 30-mile line, including repair of three bridges, restoration of three washouts, removal of debris from bridges, and ties, ballast, and resurfacing. County commissioners cited a lack of communication and commitment by the railroad.