U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) was recently recognized with the Railroad Achievement Award by the Association for American Railroads (AAR) for his efforts in enhancing both freight and passenger railroads throughout his career at a ceremony hosted by the Willamette Valley Company (WVCO).
According to WVCO, the Railroad Achievement Award is periodically given to members of Congress who have shown leadership on policies that help ensure the vitality of railroads in the United States and who understand the need for safe and efficient operations made possible through sustained investment.
“As the Ranking Member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, and with an accomplished career in Congress, few leaders understand this fundamental truth more than Congressman DeFazio,” AAR President and CEO of Edward Hamberger said.
Hamberger continued, stating that DeFazio’s leadership was especially evident in passing the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act in 2015, which contained a number of railroad-related provisions including the authorization of Amtrak.
When introducing DeFazio, GoRail’s Nate Kaplan noted the congressman’s work on the reauthorization of the Surface Transportation Board in 2015 and applauded the large representation of the rail sector present at the ceremony.
“Congressman Peter DeFazio has long been a strong advocate of the rail industry, the State of Oregon and especially, Lane County,” John Murray, vice president of WVCO, said. “Willamette Valley Company is honored to host this award presentation.”