October 11, 2025

DRAFT AAWA 2026 Legislative Priorities

Approved by vote of AAWA Board of Directors October 11, 2025

1. Propose and support Washington state legislation in support of Montana’s Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority (BSPRA) Corridor Identification Program (CID) for restoration of passenger rail service in Washington via Stampede Pass.

Stampede Pass is the preferred route in Washington state for restoration of passenger rail service through central Washington as recommended by the Federal Railroad Administration in their January 2025 report to Congress. Amtrak Daily Long-Distance Service Study Report to Congress

2. Support better statewide public transportation including support for high speed rail, rail infrastructure improvement projects, Amtrak Cascades, and intercity bus (Bus, Travel Washington Intercity Bus | WSDOT)

3. Improve statewide passenger rail service as outlined in RCW 47.79 and as updated in HB 1837

4. Support options to create permanent funding sources for passenger rail, such as expanding Climate Commitment Act funds to provide funding for approved Federal Railroad Administration CID projects.