Tentative Outcome From Today's Meeting On Amtrak
Monday, June 24, 2002
http://www.trainweb.com/advocate/2002/2002f24a.html

DOT 61-02 June 24, 2002

Statement by Secretary Mineta on Amtrak (As delivered)

First, let me thank the members of the Board of Directors of Amtrak for responding to our invitation to meet here today on such short notice. Emergency situations call for emergency action.

Our meeting is ongoing, but we wanted to take a recess and give you an update on our progress.

We have had a very productive discussion today, exploring every possible option to ensure Amtrak's continuity of operations.

I am confident that we will be able to avoid a shutdown of services. We have much more work to do, but we will continue to work on an effective solution that resolves Amtrak's financial problems.

Everyone who depends on this vital rail service needs to understand that this and Amtrak will work together with Congress to make sure that passenger rail service continues.

As outlined in my speech last week, the Administration believes any solution must include steps toward reform. We need to begin addressing Amtrak's underlying problems.

Our approach to the immediate financial crisis is two-fold:

First, AMTRAK must continue to search for ways to cut expenses, and to build on David Gunn's initial efforts to get control of its finances.

At the same time, the Federal government will continue to identify the best mix of options available to stabilize AMTRAK short-term finances.

This must be a team effort: the burden is not on the Administration alone to save the rail system from bankruptcy - nor should it be.

It will take all the parties, including the Congress, to take the initiative and build the solution to Amtrak's fundamental problems. Thank you very much.

Now I've got to get back to the table and continue our work.

Amtrak News Release - June 24, 2002
STATEMENT FROM AMTRAK ON POSSIBLE SHUTDOWN

WASHINGTON - Amtrak Board Chairman Mayor John Robert Smith and President David L. Gunn made the following statement today:

"Secretary Mineta's pledge to avert a shutdown of Amtrak in the next several days is greatly appreciated. However, there has been no reconciliation of the simple fact that Amtrak is running out of cash and no agreement of how to provide a loan guarantee or appropriation that will continue train service to the end of the fiscal year. In short, the pledge delays a shutdown, but it does not yet stop it from occurring.

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