Number: RL31834
Title: Intermodal Rail Freight: A Role for Federal Funding?
Authors: John F. Frittelli, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: The first part of this report provides historical context and reviews some of the factors inspiring debate on several complex and important policy issues for congress: Should federal rail policy remain relatively hands-off or does the current situation require a more activist policy? Should government assist the railroads in optimizing their Intermodal network? If so, how should government funding be arranged? How would rail projects deserving government support be selected? The next section examines arguments for and against government involvement in financing rail infrastructure and discusses the types of rail projects being proposed for public funding. The following section describes current funding mechanisms and the last section reviews the pros and cons of some alternative mechanisms for funding and planning rail infrastructure.
Pages: 21
Date: August 18, 2004