The delegation said Thursday that money provided by Amtrak will result in an investment of more than $26 million in the Southwest Chief, which connects Chicago to Los Angeles with stops in New Mexico and Colorado and other states.
U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, a New Mexico Democrat, said the funding marks a major investment in rural infrastructure and will help to ensure the future of the historic long-distance passenger rail service.
The delegation also pointed to legislation recently passed by Congress and signed by the president that prohibits Amtrak from replacing a significant portion of the route with bus service.