Long-Distance Corridor Relief Act

The "Long-Distance Corridor Relief Act" proposes a significant change to the selection criteria for intercity passenger rail corridors. It amends section 25101(c) of title 49, United States Code, which governs the Corridor Identification and Development Program. Specifically, the bill introduces an exception stating that the Secretary of Transportation shall not consider committed or anticipated non-Federal funding for operating or capital costs when evaluating intercity passenger rail corridors designated as long-distance routes . This modification aims to remove a financial hurdle for the development and expansion of long-distance rail services, potentially making it easier for such projects to be selected for the program without requiring upfront non-Federal financial commitments.