U.S. Tells Northeast States to Pay More to Use Tracks

By MATTHEW L. WALD
Published: February 27, 2006
WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 — After failing in a three-year effort to hand over Amtrak's Washington-to-Boston tracks, and their costs, to a new federal-state consortium, the Bush administration is seeking tens of millions of dollars in extra fees from states for use of the tracks by commuter railroads.

But the states are saying they already have contracts with Amtrak that specify what they should pay, and that Washington has not explained its demand for more money.

In a Feb. 9 letter, three governors — Edward G. Rendell of Pennsylvania, Ruth Ann Minner of Delaware, and Jon S. Corzine of New Jersey, all Democrats — told Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, that he had not been "open and transparent" in explaining the added charges.

As a result of their concerns and other complaints, representatives of 10 agencies, including three from the New York area, will meet with federal transportation officials here next week to discuss the charges and how they should be calculated. "The states feel their pocket is being picked," said Peter A. Peyser Jr., an aide to Mr. Rendell.>>>>cont

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