Washington, D.C. – Rail industry professionals from around the country assembled in the hearing room at Surface Transportation Board headquarters  last week for the first meeting of the STB’s Passenger Rail Advisory Committee.

Cedar Rapids, IA – Today, the Federal Railroad Administration announced Iowa Interstate Railroad, LLC, will receive a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant toward the design and construction of bridges near Colfax and DeSoto, Iowa, over the Rock River in Illinois, and near Atkinson, Illinois.  Iowa Interstate has committed to match this federal grant with a nearly 6 million dollar investment toward this project.  Earlier this year, Iowa Interstate Railroad hosted a ground breaking ceremony of its Renewable Energy Distribution Center in Newton, Iowa; this facility represents our commitment to advancing clean energy infrastructure in our region to serve our customers’ needs in the shipment and storage of wind energy components.   Replacing the Colfax and DeSoto bridges eliminates any remaining clearance restrictions to further support the rail shipment of these larger wind energy components to and from westward locations.  Replacement of the bridge spanning the Rock River and that at Atkinson in Illinois removes speed restrictions and enhances freight network resilience.  

We express our gratitude to our Iowa and Illinois Congressional delegation, the Iowa and Illinois departments of transportation, and many others for their support of this project to further our continued commitment to better serve our customers and support our region’s economy.

Newton, IA – Iowa Interstate Railroad was recognized by Newton Development Corporation for its investment in a future project that will allow for the transportation and drop off of wind energy components.

Cedar Rapids, IA – Iowa Interstate Railroad, LLC (IAIS) is saddened to announce the passing of its Founding Chairman, Dr. Paul H. Banner, on June 17, 2024, at the age of 102.  Dr. Banner was instrumental in the efforts to save the railroad following the Rock Island’s liquidation which ultimately resulted in the thriving Class-II regional railroad it is today.

IAIS Chairman Henry Posner III commented, “To describe Paul Banner as a visionary would be an understatement. The idea of a fourth main line – and an abandoned one at that – between Chicago and Omaha at the dawn of deregulation was considered by many to be delusional. We are proud to stand on his shoulders, which were extremely broad.”

“While we send our condolences to the family of Dr. Banner, we remember his many contributions to this company and are very thankful to be able to carry on his legacy.  Locomotive #519, named the “Paul H. Banner” to commemorate his 100^th birthday, serves as a reminder of our first Chairman as it moves freight on the line he helped to save”, added IAIS President, Joe Parsons. His enormous contribution to the restoration of the Rock Island’s core main line is his enduring legacy. IAIS expresses its sincere condolences to the Banner family and all those whose lives were touched by this industry visionary.

Dr. Banner’s service to the rail industry prior to IAIS included leadership roles at Southern Railway and the Rock Island.

Founded in 1984, Iowa Interstate Railroad is a Cedar Rapids, IA, based Class-II regional railroad company operating in the Midwest region between Chicago, Peoria, and the Omaha areas.  It is one of the only regional railroads in the country with direct connections to all six Class-I railroads.

For more information about IAIS, please visit www.iaisrr.com.

Media Contact: Annie Schaub
(319) 491-4465
aschaub@iaisrr.com

NEWTON, IA – May 2, 2024 – Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS) is proud to announce the groundbreaking of a cutting-edge Renewable Energy Distribution Center in Newton, Iowa. This milestone marks the company’s commitment to advancing clean energy infrastructure in the region.

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Wednesday, May 15^th, at 10:00 AM at the corner of N 33^rd Ave E & E 28^th St N, bringing together key stakeholders, community leaders, and project partners to celebrate the commencement of this pivotal project.

Key Features of the Renewable Energy Distribution Center:

• Green Energy Integration: The center will leverage the latest technologies to facilitate the efficient distribution of renewable energy sources, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
• Job Creation: The project is expected to support and create employment opportunities in the local community, fostering economic growth and providing skilled jobs in the renewable energy sector.
• Community Impact: IAIS is committed to community engagement and will actively collaborate with local organizations to ensure the positive impact of the center on the surrounding area.

“This project is the latest example in our proud history of consistently investing in our infrastructure on the Iowa Interstate Railroad to serve our customers’ needs. This new distribution center at Newton – a 100% private sector investment – will provide wind energy shippers a first-class facility to safely transload and store their components. With our unique connections to every Class I carrier, we are excited about the benefits our distribution center will provide to customers by enhancing wind energy supply chain efficiencies both into and out of Iowa,” said IAIS Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Carrie Evans.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 

Time: 10:00 AM

Location: N 33^rd Ave East & E 28^th St North (please park in the adjacent parking lot)

About Iowa Interstate Railroad

Founded in 1984, Iowa Interstate Railroad is a Cedar Rapids-based Class-II regional railroad company operating in the Midwest region between Chicago, Peoria, and the Omaha areas. It is one of the only regional railroads in the country with direct connections to all six Class-I railroads. For more information about IAIS, please visit www.iaisrr.com.

VETS Indexes is proud to announce that Iowa Interstate Railroad, LLC has earned the designation of VETS Indexes Recognized Employer in the 2024 VETS Indexes Employer Awards. The award recognizes the organization’s commitment to recruiting, hiring, retaining, developing, and supporting veterans and the military-connected community.

“The diligent efforts of Iowa Interstate Railroad, LLC to hire, retain and support veterans and the military-connected community have earned the organization a highly coveted VETS Indexes Employer Award,” said George Altman, president of VETS Indexes.

“Competition for the VETS Indexes Employer Awards was tougher than ever in 2024, as a record number of organizations participated. Even with hundreds of employers in the running, Iowa Interstate Railroad, LLC demonstrated a strong dedication to veteran employment. Congratulations to Iowa Interstate Railroad, LLC on this achievement!” Altman said.

This year, a record 344 organizations submitted completed surveys for the VETS Indexes Employer Awards, an increase of more than 100 from last year and nearly triple the number from two years ago. Of those, VETS Indexes recognized 285 organizations across the following award levels: 5 Star Employer, 4 Star Employer, 3 Star Employer, and Recognized Employer. Not every responding organization made the cut – only those that demonstrated a strong commitment to veterans, members of the National Guard and Reserves, and military spouses. Participating organizations included companies large and small, government agencies and departments, nonprofit groups, colleges, and universities.

As the most objective and comprehensive evaluation of veteran employers, the VETS Indexes Employer Awards program has set a new standard in veteran employment data. VETS Indexes and its Employer Awards have been featured on CNBC, Fox Business and BNN Bloomberg, as well as military-specific outlets, including Military.com, Military Times and Stars & Stripes. This in-depth survey and recognition program analyzes employers’ policies, practices, and outcomes in detail, across the following 5 categories:

• Veteran job candidate recruiting and hiring
• Veteran employee development and retention
• Veteran-inclusive policies and culture
• Support for members of the National Guard and Reserves
• Military spouse/family support

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Martin J. Oberman today announced that, with the approval of the Board, he has appointed members to the newly formed Passenger Rail Advisory Committee (PRAC).  The new members of the PRAC will advise the Board on issues impacting passenger rail service during their terms.

“I am pleased that the Board received so many nominations of distinguished and knowledgeable candidates to serve on the Passenger Rail Advisory Committee,” said Chairman Martin J. Oberman.  “The members of this inaugural PRAC have a diverse range of experience and we look forward to them providing insightful perspectives as the Board considers pressing passenger rail issues.  The Board has greatly valued the contributions of its other advisory committees over the years and I am confident that this new committee will prove to be equally valuable in advising the Board in the area of passenger rail.”

The 21 members of the PRAC and their appointed term lengths are as follows.

Amtrak

Christopher Perry, Associate General Counsel

• 3-year term

James Blair, Assistant Vice President, Host Railroads

• 2-year term

Commuter Rail

James Derwinski, CEO and Executive Director, Metra (Chicago)

• 3-year term

Lori Winfree, General Counsel, North County Transit District (San Diego)

• 2-year term

Intercity Passenger Rail (non-Amtrak)

Husein Cumber, Chief Strategy Officer, Florida East Coast Industries

• 3-year term

Gregg Baxter, Director of Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships, Herzog Enterprises

• 2-year term

State that Funds Intercity Passenger Rail

Roger Millar, Secretary of Transportation, Washington State Department of Transportation

• 3-year term

State that hosts only long-distance service

Shoshana Lew, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Transportation

• 2-year term

Class I Railroad

Michael McClellan, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Norfolk Southern

• 3-year term

Andy Daly, Senior Director of Passenger Operations, CSX Transportation

• 2-year term

Class II or III Railroad

Henry Posner III, Chairman, Iowa Interstate Railroad

• 2-year term

Rail Labor

Greg Regan, President, AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department

• 3-year term

Rail Passenger Advocacy Organization

Jim Mathews, President and CEO, Rail Passengers Association

• 3-year term

John Robert Smith, Chairman, Transportation for America

• 2-year term

Rail Shipper or Shipper Organization

Jonathan Lamb, President, Lake Superior Warehousing Co., Inc.

• 2-year term

At-Large

Joseph Black, Senior Vice President, Rail Operations and Service Planning, WSP

• 2-year term

Aaron Edelman, Attorney, Mooney, Green, Saindon, Murphy & Welch

• 3-year term

Patricia Long, President, Railway Supply Institute

• 2-year term

Robert Padgette, Managing Director, Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority

• 3-year term

Liliana Pereira, Director, Steer

• 2-year term

Carl Warren, President and CEO, North Carolina Railroad Company

• 3-year term

Paul Nissenbaum, Associate Administrator for Railroad Development at the Federal Railroad Administration, will participate as an ex officio member of the committee as the Department of Transportation representative.

The PRAC has been established in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. Chapter 10, to help the Board better fulfill its statutory responsibilities in overseeing certain aspects of passenger rail service.  The PRAC’s activities include providing information, advice, and recommendations to the Board on issues impacting the development and operation of passenger rail services, including:  improving efficiency on passenger rail routes; reducing disputes between passenger rail carriers and freight rail hosts regarding the use of freight-owned facilities and infrastructure for passenger service, including passenger on-time performance issues; and improving regulatory processes related to intercity passenger rail to the benefit of the public, the communities served by passenger rail, and the environment.  The PRAC meetings will be open to the public.

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See full details at: https://www.stb.gov/news-communications/latest-news/pr-24-15/

Operation Lifesaver, Inc. Awards $220K for Rail Safety Public Awareness Campaigns in 11 States

WASHINGTON, DC, March 28, 2024 – Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) in partnership with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh today announced $220,000 in competitive rail safety awareness grants to Operation Lifesaver programs in 11 states. The FRA provided $175,000 of the total funding.
 
The FRA-funded grants will be awarded to Operation Lifesaver organizations in California, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, New York, Ohio, Tennessee and Washington. Funding from the Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh will fund Operation Lifesaver grant projects in Missouri and South Carolina and supplement the Connecticut grant project. The grants will fund a variety of crossing safety and trespass prevention public education projects, which also will be conducted in conjunction with the nonprofit safety group’s observance of See Tracks? Think Train!^® Week, September 23-29, 2024.

“FRA wholeheartedly supports the lifesaving work of Operation Lifesaver, Inc. as grade crossing and trespass incidents still occur with alarming frequency,” said James Payne, Staff Director of the FRA Grade Crossing and Trespasser Outreach Division. “These competitive grants provide critical funding to OLI state organizations whose efforts effectively combat the problem of preventable railway deaths and injuries.”
 
Henry Posner III, Chairman of the Posner Foundation and the Iowa Interstate Railroad, added, “While railroads are a safe industry with a deep safety culture, raising public awareness of the importance of grade crossing safety and trespass prevention remains a critical challenge. OLI’s mission of rail safety education across the nation directly addresses these. We are proud to be for the sixth year in a row not just a funder but an enthusiastic supporter of OLI.”
 
OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh said, “We are delighted to announce the recipients of this year’s grants, which showcase innovative strategies in promoting rail safety education. Congratulations to the winning states for their dedication and creativity in spreading this crucial message. We are deeply appreciative of our enduring collaborations with the Federal Railroad Administration and the Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh, whose support makes these outreach initiatives possible nationwide.”
 
Maleh continued, “Everyone can do something to make their communities safer. We urge you to engage with OLI on social media, schedule a complimentary rail safety presentation, and explore oli.org for additional resources. Together, we can #STOPTrackTragedies and save lives.” 

Projects funded by the FRA grants include: 

• California Operation Lifesaver will run a Geofencing and digital trespass awareness ad campaign during September, CA Rail Safety Month and See Tracks? Think Train!® Week to reach at-risk populations in the state’s top 15 counties for trespass and near-miss incidents. 
• Connecticut Operation Lifesaver’s project involves rail safety education messaging using streaming video, website display ads, social media and podcasts targeting high rail traffic areas starting in August and ending at the end of September to include See Tracks? Think Train!® Week.
• Illinois Operation Lifesaver’s grade crossing safety and trespass prevention education campaign from July through September will encompass TV commercials, streaming videos, and digital display ads as well as community events and in-person training sessions targeting law enforcement, emergency dispatchers, schools and professional drivers in the Chicagoland, Springfield, and East St. Louis areas.
• Indiana Operation Lifesaver’s project targets pedestrians and motorists in the Hammond, Indiana area through digital audio, video, social and Geofencing ads as well as distributing rail safety education messaging materials on college campuses and community events in August and September, including See Tracks? Think Train!® Week. Artificial intelligence will be used to maximize campaign performance and attract social media influencers, expanding reach for the project’s rail safety education message.  
• Montana Operation Lifesaver will create a compelling trespassing safety Public Service Announcement (PSA) featuring Native American individuals with culturally relevant elements, representation and storytelling to enhance awareness and discourage trespassing on railroad property. PSAs will be sent to broadcast outlets throughout the state and used in display, print and YouTube ad campaigns.
• New York Operation Lifesaver will target audiences in Long Island, combining a rail safety education banner towed by an airplane over the beaches during the summer with a Geofence online campaign during September. The campaign will include a series of crossing safety education events during See Tracks? Think Train!® Week.
• Ohio Operation Lifesaver will conduct a high-impact rail safety education campaign from July through September targeting the Cleveland metro area across radio, connected TV and on high-traffic local TV websites, featuring endorsements from local sports celebrity Jensen Lewis.
• Tennessee Operation Lifesaver will run a rail safety education ad campaign targeting males 18-40 with audio, video, social media and Geofencing ads in major metro areas during August and September.
• Washington Operation Lifesaver’s project involves a four-month campaign encompassing digital advertising geo-targeting areas of the state with the highest trespassing incidents, a Spanish Public Service Announcement (PSA) television campaign targeting bilingual residents in key counties, along with a social media PSA campaign for the period to include See Tracks? Think Train!® Week.

The Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh grant will supplement funding for the Connecticut campaign and fully fund campaigns in the following states:

• Missouri Operation Lifesaver will run a radio and digital ad campaign targeting drivers and agricultural road users statewide from May through September with an additional campaign in seven counties that account for 70% of railroad crossing incidents across the state.
• South Carolina Operation Lifesaver’s project focuses on partnering with community area transportation in the city of Charleston to target transit riders, pedestrians and motorists with an ad campaign that will run for a quarter of the year in conjunction with in-person events and safety materials distribution communicating rail education.

The approved grants were awarded through a competitive process, with selection based on criteria such as the defined safety need, the number of highway-rail collisions and trespass incidents in the state and how the proposal leverages federal funds with private partnerships.
 
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About Operation Lifesaver   Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) is a national #RailSafetyEducation nonprofit dedicated to stopping track tragedies through public awareness and education campaigns as well as a national volunteer network that gives free presentations encouraging safe behavior near tracks and trains. OLI supports the efforts of 47 state programs and the District of Columbia in sharing the rail safety education message. Explore OLI’s virtual library of rail safety materials on the oli.org website. Visit oli.org to learn more, take a rail safety pledge, request free presentations and volunteer. Follow OLI on social media via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter/X and YouTube.

See full details at: https://oli.org/about-us/news/operation-lifesaver-inc-awards-220000-rail-safety-public-awareness-campaigns-11

Eddie Brown, Locomotive Engineer and Conductor, has retired effective July 3, 2023, after a 46-year career in railroading!  Eddie began his railroad career for the Rock Island Railroad in July of 1977 working as a Clerk.  Eddie’s lack of seniority had him bumping around Illinois and Iowa; starting in Bureau, Illinois to Culver Tower in Muscatine, Iowa back to Bureau, then into Joliet, Illinois eventually to Ottawa, Illinois until he was furloughed. 

In November of 1978, Eddie entered Rock Island Railroad’s engineer trainee program in Blue Island, Illinois and was promoted to engineer in May of 1979.  In 1980, Eddie was furloughed with approximately 9,000 other Rock Island Railroad employees after a federal judge ordered the railroad to liquidate.  Eddie bounced back into the industry in 1981, when he accepted a position with the Burlington Northern Railroad working in the Maintenance of Way Department until furloughed later that same year. 

When furloughed, Eddie continued his education in drafting while also working at a local gas station.

In 1982, Eddie was hired as an armed security officer keeping watch at the LaSalle Nuclear Station until 1986 when he was hired by Metra working as a Towerman.

On March 2, 1988, Eddie began working for Iowa Interstate Railroad as a conductor / engineer.  Eddie held jobs in Rock Island, Blue Island, Silvis and Bureau.

Eddie has also been the face of Iowa Interstate Railroad for Operation Lifesaver since 2002 and has conducted many training events for schools and various community gatherings.  We are grateful that Eddie is committed to continuing this valuable training throughout our community.

Eddie has received twelve IAIS Presidential Awards since the program began in 2015!

All of us at IAIS wish Eddie the best in retirement!

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With increased interest from recent media reports, Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS) reiterates our long-standing commitment to and collaboration with local, state, and federal stakeholders to work towards reinstating passenger rail between Chicago and the Quad-Cities. We have always been and continue to be committed to working with IDOT to bring our 50 miles of freight railroad in line with the higher safety requirements required for passenger railroad infrastructure.  We have met with Amtrak, IDOT, and many other stakeholders, both here at home and in Washington D.C. We continue to engage IDOT in a manner consistent with the parties’ agreement and await their response to our latest submission. We will continue in good faith to abide by the signed agreement with IDOT that neither party will unilaterally publicly discuss the details of this project.