Congresswoman Matsui Congratulates Siemens on Being Chosen to Build High-Performance Diesel-Electric Locomotives
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, December 19, 2013
CONTACT: JONELLE TRIMMER
(202) 225-7163
Congresswoman Matsui Congratulates Siemens on Being Chosen to Build High-Performance Diesel-Electric Locomotives
All 35 locomotives will be built in the Sacramento Siemens facility
CA - Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06) congratulated Siemens on being chosen by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to design, build, and deliver approximately 35 high-performance diesel-electric locomotives. The locomotives will all be built at the Sacramento Siemens facility.
"I congratulate Siemens on being chosen to manufacture the next generation of locomotives. Once again Siemens has proven it is a leader in advancing technological innovation, and they are doing so right here in Sacramento," said Congresswoman Matsui. "Now is the time to produce faster, cleaner, more efficient transportation options, and this procurement is a step in the right direction. Again, I congratulate Siemens and look forward to seeing these locomotives roll out of Sacramento."
The IDOT chose Siemens to manufacture these diesel-electric locomotives on behalf of the Departments of Transportations from Illinois, California, Michigan, Washington and Missouri. These five states will each receive a portion of the newly-built locomotives. The manufacturing of the locomotives will be paid for by funds allocated by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to fund the next generation of passenger rail equipment. The new locomotives will achieve a maximum speed of 125 mph and meet new Federal Tier 4 emissions standards, the cleanest to date.
andquot;We are extremely proud to have been selected as a rolling stock partner to help bring the next era of passenger rail service to Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, California and Washington State,andquot; said Michael Cahill, president of Siemens Rail Systems in the U.S. andquot;Leveraging Siemens' proven rail expertise and technology, we look forward to building the most energy-efficient, advanced technology, diesel-electric locomotives in North America at our solar-powered transportation manufacturing facility in Sacramento, California.andquot;
Congresswoman Matsui sent a letter to the Department of Transportation urging openness and transparency in the awarding of this contract. She has also led an effort to ensure that the 125 mph specifications were maintained, ensuring the next generation of locomotives are more efficient and more environmentally friendly.
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