Senator Gordon Smith Wins National Railroad Award
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Release #08-11—April 30, 2008
Washington D.C., April 30, 2008—The National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) announced today that U.S. Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) is a recipient of the 2008 George Falcon Golden Spike Award. The award honors individuals for their contributions to the advancement of passenger rail.
Senator Smith has been a strong supporter of passenger train development, both intercity and commuter. He played a key role in advancing the Westside Express Service Commuter Rail Project-—diesel powered trains that will connect with and extend the reach of the Portland MAX light rail system in Washington County. Oregon. The senator also has worked to bring parties together in an effort to save freight train service on Oregon’s threatened Coos Bay line.
Last June, NARP introduced a vision for a grid-and-gateway network of interconnected transportation options that would encourage and link state corridor projects such as those that have blossomed in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. NARP’s vision was broadly endorsed by the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission, which additionally recommended funding and legislative options that would help implement this network.
Restoration of service between Portland, Eastern Oregon points, and Boise/Salt Lake City/the East is in both the NARP vision and the Commission’s “2030 intercity passenger rail network” (page 4-23 of the Commission’s December, 2007, report, Transportation for Tomorrow, [click on Chapter 4 here]).
The George Falcon Golden Spike Award honors public officials for their support for a fully developed rail network and leadership in promoting rail development. The award is named for George Falcon, a Los Angeles area publisher and early member of NARP, who created the award. Prior winners include U.S. Senators, Members of Congress, the people of Los Angeles and Baltimore, and individuals who have shown a dedication to and commitment to passenger rail in a way that has advanced a stronger rail network. A complete list of past winners is available here.