Pay the Freight: Rail Infrastructure Investments in Canada and U.S. August 11, 2009

The Metropolitan Planning Council, in partnership with the Canadian Consulate General of Chicago and Union League Club Public Affairs Committee, invite you to attend a forum to explore the opportunities, long-term benefits, and need for freight rail investment for better movement of goods.

According to USDOT Secretary Ray LaHood, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is the single largest new investment in our national surface transportation network since the creation of the interstate highway system in the 1950s. However, nationwide, states and MPOs have only invested two percent of these funds in the freight rail infrastructure that is so critical to our nation’s economy. What will it take to make certain the next federal surface transportation authorization bill makes freight rail infrastructure a priority?

At this event, U.S. Rep Tom Petri (R-Wis.), member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy for Transport Canada, Ms. Kristine Burr, will discuss Canada’s $2 billion investment in freight rail infrastructure using public-private partnerships (PPP), and explore opportunities to improve the movement of goods in the United States. Vice President of Planning at McCain Foods Ltd. (a global leader in the frozen food industry), Mr. Ron Pillsbury, will join the panel representing the private sector, which relies on seamless multi-modal transportation.

PANEL DISCUSSION FEATURING

U.S. Rep. Tom Petri (D-Wis.)
U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

Ms. Kristine Burr
Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy
Transport Canada

Mr. Ron Pillsbury
Vice President, Planning, Distribution and Customer Service
McCain Foods Ltd.

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