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EPA to Hold Public Meeting on Modification of Remedy at New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site on October 28, 2026
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA to Hold Public Meeting on Modification of Remedy at New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site on October 28, 2026
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BOSTON, MASS (Oct. 19, 2026) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting a virtual public meeting on October 28, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams to present the draft eighth Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD) proposing to modify the upper and lower harbor remedy for the New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site.
Under the ESD, EPA would remove soil in areas where
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 28 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA to Hold Public Meeting on Modification of Remedy at New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site on October 28, 2026
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BOSTON, MASS (Oct. 19, 2026) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting a virtual public meeting on October 28, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams to present the draft eighth Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD) proposing to modify the upper and lower harbor remedy for the New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site.
Under the ESD, EPA would remove soil in areas wherepolychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination is higher than 1 part per million. The contaminated soil would be excavated to a depth of three feet and replaced with clean soil. The plan would also include land use controls for the property. These controls would allow the City of New Bedford to pursue residential development on the site, but would require a soil management plan to make sure any PCB-contaminated soil located deeper than three feet would be handled safely, if it were to be disturbed in the future.
"The City of New Bedford has been a key partner during EPA's implementation of the Superfund remedy, allowing EPA to perform remedy support work at the City's Sawyer Street property since the 1980s," said EPA Regional Administrator Mark Sanborn. "This proposed work is an important step as we near completion of the New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site cleanup."
EPA is seeking public input on the draft ESD during the 30-day public comment period starting on October 30, 2026, and ending on November 28, 2026. Beginning on October 30, 2026, the draft ESD Administrative Record can be reviewed and comments submitted via https://www.regulations.gov (Docket ID No. EPA-R01-SFUND-2026-6304). All comments are reviewed and responded to in writing by EPA prior to selecting a final alternative for the ESD, if necessary.
Meeting materials and link to join October 28th meeting at 6:00 p.m. will be posted prior to the meeting on https://www.epa.gov/new-bedford-harbor.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-hold-public-meeting-modification-remedy-new-bedford-harbor-superfund-site-october
SBA Relief Still Available to Mescalero Apache Tribe Businesses, Nonprofits, Affected by Adverse Weather
WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 -- The Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to Mescalero Apache Tribe Businesses, Nonprofits, Affected by Adverse Weather
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WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding eligible Mescalero Apache Tribe small businesses and private nonprofit organizations of the Nov. 23 deadline to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by severe storms, flooding, and landslides occurring June 23 - Aug. 5, 2025.
The disaster declaration includes
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 -- The Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to Mescalero Apache Tribe Businesses, Nonprofits, Affected by Adverse Weather
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WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding eligible Mescalero Apache Tribe small businesses and private nonprofit organizations of the Nov. 23 deadline to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by severe storms, flooding, and landslides occurring June 23 - Aug. 5, 2025.
The disaster declaration includesthe Mescalero Apache Tribe.
The SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and private nonprofit organizations -- including faith-based organizations -- impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills which could not be paid due to the disaster.
"SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery," said Chris Stallings, Associate Administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery at SBA. "These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster."
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for businesses and 3.625% for private nonprofits, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant's financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA's National Support Network Center at (866) SBA-HELP or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than Nov. 23. However, after the deadline has passed, there is a 60-day grace period in which SBA will accept applications.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/10/23/sba-relief-still-available-mescalero-apache-tribe-businesses-nonprofits-affected-adverse-weather
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Announces Leadership Changes
WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 -- The Federal Home Loan Banks Office of Finance issued the following news release:
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Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Announces Leadership Changes
October 22, 2026
The Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLBank") of New York announced today that Randolph C. Snook resigned as its President and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), effective October 20, 2026. The Board of Directors of the FHLBank of New York has initiated a process to identify a permanent replacement for Mr. Snook, who will serve as a senior advisor to the FHLBank of New York through December 31, 2026 to assist in
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 -- The Federal Home Loan Banks Office of Finance issued the following news release:
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Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Announces Leadership Changes
October 22, 2026
The Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLBank") of New York announced today that Randolph C. Snook resigned as its President and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), effective October 20, 2026. The Board of Directors of the FHLBank of New York has initiated a process to identify a permanent replacement for Mr. Snook, who will serve as a senior advisor to the FHLBank of New York through December 31, 2026 to assist inthe leadership transition.
The Board of Directors of the FHLBank of New York has named Jonathan West as Interim President and CEO, effective October 20, 2026, to ensure continuity during this process. Mr. West, age 69, joined the FHLBank of New York in May 2015 as Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer and served as Chief of Staff/Senior Advisor since February 2026.
Previously, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer - Business Operations of the FHLBank of Indianapolis. He brings more than 40 years of experience within the FHLBank System to his new role.
For additional information, please see the FHLBank of New York's Form 8-K filing on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission website, www.sec.gov.
Created by Congress in 1932, the FHLBanks have served as a vital source of liquidity to their members throughout the economic cycles, supporting housing finance and community development across the United States. Please contact Tom Heinle at (703) 467-3646 or theinle@fhlb-of.com for additional information.
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Original text here: https://www.fhlb-of.com/news/federal-home-loan-bank-of-new-york-announces-leadership-changes/
FHLBank Chicago Announces Q3 2026 Financial Highlights
CHICAGO, Illinois, Oct. 23 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, posted the following news:
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FHLBank Chicago Announces Q3 2026 Financial Highlights
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The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) today announced its preliminary and unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2026.
"Our preliminary third quarter results reflect continued member demand for the liquidity and mortgage solutions FHLBank Chicago provides," said Michael Ericson, President and Chief Executive Officer of FHLBank Chicago. "Growth in advances
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CHICAGO, Illinois, Oct. 23 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, posted the following news:
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FHLBank Chicago Announces Q3 2026 Financial Highlights
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The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) today announced its preliminary and unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2026.
"Our preliminary third quarter results reflect continued member demand for the liquidity and mortgage solutions FHLBank Chicago provides," said Michael Ericson, President and Chief Executive Officer of FHLBank Chicago. "Growth in advancesand mortgage loans acquired through the Mortgage Partnership Finance(r) Program demonstrates the important role our cooperative plays in helping members meet their customers' financing needs and support housing and community development across Illinois and Wisconsin."
Third Quarter 2026 Financial Highlights
* Net income decreased to $145 million, compared to $185 million for the third quarter of 2025, primarily driven by higher noninterest expense related to increased Community Advance subsidies and additional funding for the Downpayment Plus(r) (DPP(r)) Programs and Affordable Housing Program (AHP) General Fund.
* Total assets increased to $151.6 billion from $141.2 billion at December 31, 2025, predominately reflecting growth in advances.
* Advances outstanding increased to $72.4 billion from $61.1 billion at December 31, 2025, driven mainly by increased borrowing by depository institution members and, to a lesser extent, insurance company members.
* Mortgage loans held for portfolio through the Mortgage Partnership Finance (MPF(r)) Program increased to $15.6 billion from $14.7 billion at December 31, 2025, as acquisition volume outpaced principal paydowns.
Housing and Community Development
Statutory Affordable Housing Program (AHP) Assessments: FHLBank Chicago is required by statute to contribute 10% of its income before assessments to support affordable housing and community development in the communities served by its members. Through the first nine months of 2026, FHLBank Chicago recognized an AHP assessment of $55 million.
Additional Housing and Community Development Support: In addition to its statutory AHP assessments, FHLBank Chicago provides grants and subsidies to respond to the housing and community development needs of members and their communities. During the third quarter of 2026, FHLBank Chicago:
* Enhanced the Community Advance product by increasing the annual interest rate subsidy available to members and deepening the discount for eligible advances supporting affordable housing and economic development.
* Provided additional discretionary funding for the DPP Programs and the AHP General Fund to expand support for affordable homeownership and housing development.
* Increased funding and member capacity for the MPF Habitat for Humanity(r) Program, expanding opportunities for participating members to provide below-market mortgage financing to eligible homebuyers.
Through the first nine months of 2026, FHLBank Chicago recognized $49 million in community investment grants and Community Advance subsidies as noninterest expense.
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Original text here: https://www.fhlbc.com/news/news-detail/2026/10/23/fhlbank-chicago-announces-q3-2026-financial-highlights
As Everglades Restoration Projects Advance, Defining Success and Assessing Outcomes Require New Approaches, Says National Academies Review
WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 (TNSrep) -- The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine issued the following news release:
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As Everglades Restoration Projects Advance, Defining Success and Assessing Outcomes Require New Approaches, Says National Academies Review
October 22, 2026
WASHINGTON -- The pace of Everglades restoration has accelerated significantly in recent years, but the effort requires stronger scientific assessments, a clearer picture of success amid changing conditions, and greater investment in decision support tools, says a new report from the National Academies of
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 (TNSrep) -- The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine issued the following news release:
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As Everglades Restoration Projects Advance, Defining Success and Assessing Outcomes Require New Approaches, Says National Academies Review
October 22, 2026
WASHINGTON -- The pace of Everglades restoration has accelerated significantly in recent years, but the effort requires stronger scientific assessments, a clearer picture of success amid changing conditions, and greater investment in decision support tools, says a new report from the National Academies ofSciences, Engineering, and Medicine. It examines Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) progress and recommends improvements to scientific monitoring, modeling, data analysis, and management approaches to better evaluate restoration outcomes and inform future decisions. The report is the 11th in a series of biennial reviews by the National Academies.
"As more Everglades restoration projects come online, we need to reassess what success looks like and strengthen the science used to measure it," said Helen Regan, professor in the department of evolution, ecology, and organismal biology at the University of California, Riverside, and chair of the committee that wrote the report. "Better scientific tools and assessments will help ensure that today's restoration investments benefit generations to come."
Restoration Progress
Record funding and improved coordination among federal and state agencies have greatly accelerated the pace of CERP implementation, but that momentum remains contingent on adequate staffing levels and sustained funding. While measurable hydrologic and ecological responses demonstrate restoration progress, more rigorous analysis and reporting of outcomes across restoration projects are also critical to understanding how the ecosystem is responding.
Restoring water flows is a central part of CERP implementation. However, some projects will require additional measures beyond water management to achieve intended ecological benefits. Although some interventions may fall outside the scope of CERP, the report recommends that agencies study supplemental measures and calls for emergency conservation actions for the endangered Cape Sable seaside sparrow, including relocation to suitable habitat and accelerated captive breeding.
Defining Restoration Success
Defining restoration success is essential to sustain public support for the CERP and inform future decisions, the report notes. The restoration program recognizes that land-use changes and requirements for flood control make historical ecosystem conditions an unattainable restoration goal. However, additional efforts are needed to define desired restoration conditions in a way that incorporates constraints and changing conditions.
At the scale of the CERP, restoration outcomes will necessarily involve trade-offs across space, time, and restoration objectives. The report calls for better tools to help decision-makers evaluate competing priorities, clearer communication of restoration progress and trade-offs, and sustained investment in scientific expertise and infrastructure.
Assessing Progress
Although progress is being made, current assessment methods do not consistently distinguish between changes resulting from CERP activities and those associated with external influences such as weather variability. The report recommends improved analytical approaches to assess whether interim restoration goals are being met and identify where additional management actions may be needed.
The study was undertaken by the Committee on Independent Scientific Review of Everglades Restoration Progress and sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Interior, South Florida Water Management District, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are private, nonprofit institutions that provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions related to science, engineering, and medicine. They operate under an 1863 congressional charter to the National Academy of Sciences, signed by President Lincoln.
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View report here: https://www.nationalacademies.org/projects/DELS-WSTB-24-01/publication/29422
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Original text here: https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/as-everglades-restoration-projects-advance-defining-success-and-assessing-outcomes-require-new-approaches-says-national-academies-review
Amtrak to Hold Special Public Board Meeting on Transformation Initiative
WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Amtrak to Hold Special Public Board Meeting on Transformation Initiative
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WASHINGTON - The Amtrak Board of Directors will convene a special public meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, from 2 to 3 p.m. ET to hear public comments on the Amtrak Transformation Initiative.
This special meeting will be conducted virtually for members of the public. Following advance registration, participants may offer comments to the Board. Speakers will be recognized on a first-come, first-served basis and will have
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Amtrak to Hold Special Public Board Meeting on Transformation Initiative
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WASHINGTON - The Amtrak Board of Directors will convene a special public meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, from 2 to 3 p.m. ET to hear public comments on the Amtrak Transformation Initiative.
This special meeting will be conducted virtually for members of the public. Following advance registration, participants may offer comments to the Board. Speakers will be recognized on a first-come, first-served basis and will haveup to two minutes to deliver their remarks.
The meeting is a listen-only session for the Board and is not a question-and-answer forum. The Board does not plan to provide an update or present on the Transformation Initiative, answer questions or respond in real time to individual comments. The meeting is dedicated to hearing directly from the public.
WHO: Amtrak Board of Directors
WHAT: Special Public Board Meeting to hear public comments on the Amtrak Transformation Initiative
WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026 at 2 p.m. ET
WHERE: Virtual participation for the public
HOW: Advance registration is required; access details will be provided ahead of the meeting.
To learn more about the Transformation Initiative, visit https://www.amtrak.com/future.
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Original text here: https://media.amtrak.com/2026/10/amtrak-to-hold-special-public-board-meeting-on-transformation-initiative/
Amtrak Opens New State-of-the-Art Train Maintenance Facility in Seattle
WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Amtrak Opens New State-of-the-Art Train Maintenance Facility in Seattle
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SEATTLE - Amtrak and partners cut the ribbon on a new $250 million Maintenance and Inspection Facility in Seattle, designed to support the new Airo fleet that debuted on the Amtrak Cascades route last month. Delivered on time and $50 million under budget, the facility will open in phases through the end of 2026.
The nearly 100,000-square-foot building is the first maintenance facility of its kind for Amtrak, featuring three
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Amtrak Opens New State-of-the-Art Train Maintenance Facility in Seattle
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SEATTLE - Amtrak and partners cut the ribbon on a new $250 million Maintenance and Inspection Facility in Seattle, designed to support the new Airo fleet that debuted on the Amtrak Cascades route last month. Delivered on time and $50 million under budget, the facility will open in phases through the end of 2026.
The nearly 100,000-square-foot building is the first maintenance facility of its kind for Amtrak, featuring threetracks for inspecting, servicing and performing heavy maintenance on a full trainset all under one roof.
Amtrak Executive Vice President of Capital Delivery Laura Mason:
"This new facility represents a major step forward for Amtrak and our customers in the Pacific Northwest. By providing our teams the modern tools and space to maintain an entire Airo trainset at once, we can work more efficiently while continuing our commitment to safe, reliable and comfortable service for the next generation of Amtrak Cascades customers."
ODOT Intercity Passenger Rail Program Manager Kathy Holmes:
"This modern facility sends a strong message to the public and the nation that we are investing in excellence at every level: in the equipment, our people and the experience we deliver to every passenger. Oregon set an all-time September ridership record and this investment ensures Amtrak Cascades continues to deliver safe and reliable service to our customers across the Pacific Northwest."
WSDOT Senior Director of External Relations Allison Krutsinger
"It's exciting to be celebrating this opening today, since it comes on the heels of our recent introduction of the new Amtrak Cascades trains just a few short weeks ago. Together, this facility and our eight new trains and two new locomotives represent a half-billion-dollar investment in passenger rail service for the Pacific Northwest. It's a new era for train travel in the Pacific Northwest."
Rail Passengers Association President & CEO Jim Mathews:
"Beautiful new Airo trains are coming to America's rail network, built by American workers and supported by suppliers all across the country. Amtrak's Seattle maintenance facility is the first of six new major facilities to support these state-of-the-art trains and mark a new era of passenger rail for the nation."
Why it matters: At approximately 700 feet long, the building can accommodate an entire Amtrak Cascades Airo trainset, enabling more modern and efficient maintenance. Amtrak's legacy fleet of individual railcars must be moved in and out separately for maintenance at the existing facility onsite, a time-consuming and burdensome process that does not enable as efficient maintenance as this new facility.
Digging deeper: Inside the maintenance facility, specialized equipment includes a drop table and split rail system, overhead bridge crane, monorail crane, sanding system and diesel in addition to wayside water and air hose reels, sanitary and vacuum waste hoses, head-end power cabinets, and a fall protection lifeline system. The broader project also includes a new parking deck for employees and covered storage for maintenance materials.
Building for the future: Seattle is part of Amtrak's broader investment in new and upgraded maintenance facilities across the country to support today's fleet and the next generation of trains. These modern facilities allow full trainsets to be inspected and serviced together, helping reduce downtime, improve efficiency and keep trains ready for customers.
By the numbers: More than 40 subcontractors supported construction of the facility, many based in the Pacific Northwest, helping to create approximately 120 construction jobs.
Major project highlights include:
* Two-level, 39,000-square-foot parking deck for employees and material storage
* 4,000 linear feet of rail
* 16,000 cubic yards of concrete
* 2.4 million pounds of concrete reinforcement
* 12 million pounds of structural steel
* 439 driven piles (11 miles in length)
* 132 drilled piles (three miles in length)
The new facility continues Amtrak's long-term investment in the Seattle Rail Yard, following previous completion of other, smaller maintenance facility improvements, new administrative building space, and a car wash in 2013, 2019, and 2025.
Additional Reactions:
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell:
"The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering a new era of passenger rail in the Pacific Northwest. Last month, we welcomed state-of-the-art Airo trains, nearly doubling seats on the Amtrak Cascades service. Now, Amtrak is opening a modern maintenance facility in Seattle--on time and $50 million under budget--to keep those trains running for decades to come. That means faster maintenance and more reliable service for communities across the region."
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray:
"It is exciting to see the growing momentum in the Seattle Rail Yard--Amtrak's new Airo fleet is a massive upgrade and so are the facilities that make train travel possible. I'm always going to fight to invest in jobs and connecting communities--that's why I was proud to secure this funding for Amtrak in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. I'll keep pushing for more investments in rail in Washington state and across the country."
U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal:
"As our region expands its fleet, this new maintenance and inspection facility is crucial to ensuring the safety and reliability of our trains. I'm thrilled to see this project completed to keep our communities connected -- and I will continue working to bring home federal funding to make our region more accessible to residents and visitors."
U.S. Rep. Susan DelBene:
"Investing in rail infrastructure is critical in keeping our region moving. This facility will support Amtrak's new Airo trains, ensuring Washingtonians have access to a fast, reliable transit network while providing good paying jobs and improving efficiency. This project was completed safe, on time, and under budget and demonstrates the power of federal investments in our infrastructure that deliver real results for our communities."
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Original text here: https://media.amtrak.com/2026/10/amtrak-opens-new-state-of-the-art-train-maintenance-facility-in-seattle/
