ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Alaska Railroad Corporation today was informed by the office of Congressman Don Young that ARRC will continue to receive funding near current levels through Federal Transit Administration formula funds. Rep. Young served on the conference committee and also serves on the House committee with FTA jurisdiction.

Late Wednesday evening a House-Senate conference committee reached an agreement on the surface transportation bill that includes funding for ARRC in a new funding formula. Details of the formula and the exact amount of funding for ARRC are not confirmed; however ARRC was told to expect about $31 million compared to the $35.8 million ARRC currently receives. The Senate bill would have reduced ARRC FTA funds by at least 75%. The House bill did not change ARRC FTA funds. The final conference approved bill, according to reports, is close to the House position.

Both the House and the Senate are expected to consider the conference committee approved legislation this week.