U.S. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers Tours L.B. Foster Facility in Spokane, WA
Discusses Importance of Positive Train Control Deadline Extension, 45G Tax Credit
Spokane, WA - On September 22, 2015, U.S. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA-05) joined Railway Engineering Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA) and National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (NRC) member L.B. Foster Company for a tour of their concrete tie manufacturing facility.
Attendees included:
Steve Burgess, President, CXT, Inc., and Vice President of Concrete Products, L.B. Foster Company
Jeff Kondis, Manager of Corporate Marketing, L.B. Foster Company
Sean Winkler, Grassroots Coordinator, REMSA
Lindsey Collins, Vice President of Grassroots Advocacy, NRC
Ross Lane, Regional Director of Public Affairs, BNSF Railway
Ken Lucht, Director of Government Relations, Watco Companies
John Pollack, Vice President of Marketing, Eastern Washington Gateway Railroad Co.
Neal McCulloch, Vice President of Railroad Services, Shannon & Wilson
Josh Austin, Area Manager, RailWorks Track Systems
Mr. Burgess gave an overview of L.B. Foster and their current operations. L.B. Foster supplies infrastructure products and services for major transportation, construction, and energy and utility projects in the U.S. and around the world. Specializing in rail products, among other industries, L.B. Foster employs approximately 100 people at their Spokane facility, which they acquired from CXT Inc. in 1999.
In her opening remarks, the Congresswoman stated, “It is critical that manufacturers thrive in our community. I will continue to advocate for a smaller and more effective government and work with local organizations, like L.B. Foster, to create opportunities and jobs right here in the Spokane region.”
Attendees discussed the importance of extending the Positive Train Control (PTC) deadline to avoid serious consequences and costs for not only companies directly affected by the railroad industry, but also for the local and national economies. In 2008, Congress mandated railroads to install PTC on lines that carry passengers and/or toxic by inhalation gas, such as chlorine and anhydrous ammonia. The deadline for installation is December 31, 2015.
Attendees also thanked the Congresswoman for her support of the 45G tax credit. The Short Line Railroad Rehabilitation and Investment Act of 2015, also known as H.R. 721, was introduced in February and already has over 50 percent co-sponsorship in the House with 237 co-sponsors. H.R. 721 would extend section 45G of the tax code which expired at the end of last year.
Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee. She is the Chair of the House Republican Conference, the fourth highest-ranking Republican in the House, and the highest ranking woman in Congress.
Attendees included:
Steve Burgess, President, CXT, Inc., and Vice President of Concrete Products, L.B. Foster Company
Jeff Kondis, Manager of Corporate Marketing, L.B. Foster Company
Sean Winkler, Grassroots Coordinator, REMSA
Lindsey Collins, Vice President of Grassroots Advocacy, NRC
Ross Lane, Regional Director of Public Affairs, BNSF Railway
Ken Lucht, Director of Government Relations, Watco Companies
John Pollack, Vice President of Marketing, Eastern Washington Gateway Railroad Co.
Neal McCulloch, Vice President of Railroad Services, Shannon & Wilson
Josh Austin, Area Manager, RailWorks Track Systems
Mr. Burgess gave an overview of L.B. Foster and their current operations. L.B. Foster supplies infrastructure products and services for major transportation, construction, and energy and utility projects in the U.S. and around the world. Specializing in rail products, among other industries, L.B. Foster employs approximately 100 people at their Spokane facility, which they acquired from CXT Inc. in 1999.
In her opening remarks, the Congresswoman stated, “It is critical that manufacturers thrive in our community. I will continue to advocate for a smaller and more effective government and work with local organizations, like L.B. Foster, to create opportunities and jobs right here in the Spokane region.”
Attendees discussed the importance of extending the Positive Train Control (PTC) deadline to avoid serious consequences and costs for not only companies directly affected by the railroad industry, but also for the local and national economies. In 2008, Congress mandated railroads to install PTC on lines that carry passengers and/or toxic by inhalation gas, such as chlorine and anhydrous ammonia. The deadline for installation is December 31, 2015.
Attendees also thanked the Congresswoman for her support of the 45G tax credit. The Short Line Railroad Rehabilitation and Investment Act of 2015, also known as H.R. 721, was introduced in February and already has over 50 percent co-sponsorship in the House with 237 co-sponsors. H.R. 721 would extend section 45G of the tax code which expired at the end of last year.
Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee. She is the Chair of the House Republican Conference, the fourth highest-ranking Republican in the House, and the highest ranking woman in Congress.