Episode 10: Back from D.C.- Railroad Day on the Hill, CRISI & Fuel Prices

In this episode of Off the Rails, Bethan is back from D.C.and both she and Rowdy are barely surviving the latest version of the plague.Bethan recaps the massive undertaking that is Railroad Day on the Hill (huge shoutout to the ASLRRA for pulling it all together): long days navigating Capitol Hill, heightened security, and the importance of sticking to the ASLRRA playbook to deliver clear, consistent talking points.Those talking points? They centered around four big priorities: (1.) modernizing the 45G short line tax credit to keep up with inflation and continue driving private infrastructure investment; (2.) ensuring strong, reliable funding for key safety grant programs like CRISI, RCE, and Section 130 while encouraging adoption of new safety technologies; (3.) streamlining federal permitting so critical rail projects don’t get stuck in endless delays; and (4.) pushing for a fair, user-based Highway Trust Fund while opposing heavier and longer trucks that shift costs onto taxpayers and infrastructure.From there, the conversation shifts to CRISI prep. With the NOFO expected any day, and rumors of a tighter turnaround, Bethan is already deep in the trenches, doing everything possible to get ahead of the rush.On the home front, reality hits hard. Rowdy experiences sticker shock with a diesel delivery coming in at around $7/gallon, making the cost of “doing business” feel especially steep. The episode wraps with Bethan slowly spiraling over budgets and fuel prices, while Rowdy floats some…creative ideas for expanding the tax base.So grab your coffee, crank up the phonograph, and let’s go Off the Rails.Become a sponsor and help keep Off the Rails 'On the Air'! Thanks to Huffman Machining Solutions is proud to sponsor this Off the Rails podcast.  See how we can help with your next challenge at huggmanmachining.com