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| Dear Brothers & Sisters,
Last year, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) approved a federal grant for $647 million to begin construction on the Caltrain Electrification Project, which would replace an existing fleet of aging diesel locomotives with reliable, faster, and more efficient electric trains in an effort to improve commuter service in Northern California. This project would create nearly 10,000 new jobs not only in California, but in other states including Utah, Texas, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, the Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao has delayed approval of the grant funds indefinitely. This delay could result in the loss of millions of dollars already invested, potential job losses, and jeopardize the project in its entirety. As our nation works to prioritize our dire infrastructure needs, we urge you to sign the White House petition urging President Trump to direct the FTA to approve funding for the Caltrain Electrification project so we can put America’s to work immediately. The petition must obtain 100,000 signatures by March 20, 207 to be considered by the White House. |
| In solidarity, |
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| John Risch National Legislative Director SMART Transportation Division |