Manchin Secures Language To Evaluate Ways To Restore Cardinal Train Daily Service Through West Virginia

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) secured language in the Surface Transportation Investment Act to authorize a study to evaluate ways Amtrak would restore the Cardinal daily service, which passes through West Virginia, connecting key communities and landmarks like the Summit Bechtel National Scout Reserve, the State Capitol in Charleston, and Marshall University in Huntington. The Cardinal line is the only train with an Amtrak stop within a National Park – the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve – in the entire United States.

 

“During my time in the Senate, I’ve fought to keep ticket agents in West Virginia, save the New River Train, and expand the Cardinal line which keeps the state connected to the rest of the nation,” said Senator Manchin. “The language I secured in the Surface Transportation Investment Act will require a study on potential options to restore the Cardinal line daily service, which provides access to and from much of West Virginia. This is an important first step towards restoring the Cardinal line and I look forward to reviewing the results of this important study to determine how we can best move forward. Until the study is complete, I will continue to advocate for the Cardinal line to ensure that West Virginians and our visitors alike have access to our wild and wonderful state.”

 

 

“Huntington, which was founded by the railroads 150 years ago, is grateful to Senator Manchin for taking a key step to make sure that our rail connection to the broader region and nation is built even stronger,” said Huntington Mayor Steve Williams.

 

“As the Capital City of West Virginia, Charleston is uniquely positioned to leverage its passenger rail and other infrastructure to grow our economy and become a top tourism destination.  We are thankful for Senator Joe Manchin’s work to elevate our City and our State with this important passenger rail legislation,” said Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin.

 

“West Virginia’s cities are blessed to have an infrastructure champion like Joe Manchin, and this advance on passenger rail legislation is going to help West Virginia build up steam on our economic, tourism, and revitalization efforts,” said West Virginia Municipal League Executive Director Travis Blosser.

 

“The City of Montgomery was once a vibrant center of railroad commerce, but we have lost industry, population and economic opportunities in recent decades. Senator Manchin knows that our rail connections can help us diversify and rebuild our economy, and that is why we are so grateful for his leadership,” said Montgomery Mayor Greg Ingram.

 

“Senator Manchin’s leadership on this passenger rail issue will help keep communities like Smithers on track for opportunity,” said Smithers Mayor Anne Cavalier.

“White Sulphur Springs is a world-class tourism destination for West Virginia and the nation, host of the Greenbrier Resort and other attractions. We need robust and reliable passenger rail service to build the important WV tourism industry, and Senator Manchin’s rail legislation proposal announced today is a huge leap forward on that endeavor,” said White Sulphur Springs Mayor Bruce Bowling.