House Transportation Committee backs Amtrak’s bid for additional trainsets, agrees to sign support letter

The Vermont House Committee on Transportation agreed Feb. 4 to send a letter of support to the Federal Railroad Administration for Amtrak’s application to the National Railroad Partnership Program (NRPP) to procure additional Siemens Airo trainsets. Committee counsel Damon Leonard explained the new dual‑mode trainsets operate diesel in non‑electrified territory and electric where catenary exists, cutting engine‑change time and improving reliability.

Leonard said the NRPP application would be finalized this week and asked the committee to approve a tailored version of a form letter Amtrak had provided. "I wrote it on behalf of the chair," Leonard said, adding the draft could be revised to reflect the full committee or joint house‑senate support. Members emphasized timeliness and recommended the chair sign on behalf of the committee if the Senate does not join.

Why it matters: The Airo trainsets are intended to reduce downtime from engine swaps, improve on‑board amenities and speed on state‑supported lines such as the Vermonter and Ethan Allen. Leonard told members the NRPP round contains multi‑billion dollars in awards and that Amtrak’s supplemental request seeks more vehicles so the sets can be deployed nationwide. The committee discussed including language that highlights reliability and travel‑time savings as the most compelling grant criteria and retained Buy America language in the draft.

Committee response and next steps: Members signaled broad support and asked Legislative Council to transmit a clean copy for signature and to invite the Senate transportation committee to co‑sign if possible. "If the senate wants to join it, we certainly are capable of having the senate piece here," the chair said; no objections were raised and counsel said he would circulate a final draft to committee staff so the letter can meet the federal deadline.

Authorities and context: Leonard identified the grant as the National Railroad Partnership Program, and said the letter would go to the Federal Railroad Administration administrator. Committee members noted the new equipment is intended to enter service nationally beginning this year with Vermont deliveries expected in about three years. Leonard also noted Buy America provisions and that Vermont is not listed among the states producing key parts.

What’s next: Legislative Council will send a final draft for committee signature; the chair will reach out to Senate leaders about joint support. The committee asked staff to ensure the letter goes out in time to meet the federal application deadline.