Congressman McNerney Introduces Bill to Create New Rail Project for Altamont Corridor

Congressman Jerry McNerney introduced legislation Wednesday to help fund the Altamont Corridor Rail Project, which will expand rail services between the Central Valley and the Bay Area.

The Altamont Corridor Rail Improvement Act (H.R. 1504) authorizes the secretary of transportation to provide up to $450 million in grants over the next decade for preliminary engineering, final design and construction of the project.

“The Altamont Corridor Rail Project is an important part of improving both our area’s economic future and our quality of life,” said Rep. McNerney.

“This project will create jobs, provide a significantly faster way to travel between the Central Valley and the Bay Area, and reduce traffic on busy highways.  It’s a good investment for our entire region,” McNerney added.

The Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) currently runs weekday trains from the Central Valley to the Bay Area and shares tracks with freight trains and Amtrak.

According to the release issued, the use of these shared tracks limits travel speed and adds delays to the ACE system. The Altamont Corridor Rail Project establishes a dedicated track for passenger rail services. This 85-mile corridor has the potential to carry 35,000 people each way once completed and could cut commute time between Stockton and San Jose in half.

Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty offered his support for the legislation.

“The Altamont Corridor Rail Project is a key part of expanding our region’s transportation network, working hand in hand with BART improvements and the development of high speed rail,” said Haggerty, who is also a commissioner for the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission.

The legislation is now expected to be referred to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for further consideration.