WHEREAS, the United States of America has made a considerable financial commitment to expanding the nation’s high-speed and intercity passenger rail (HSIPR) network, appropriating $4 billion in FY-09 for both state corridor development efforts and Amtrak state of good repair investments in the FY-10 Consolidated Appropriations Act; and

WHEREAS, the President and Vice-President announced in January 2010 an additional $8 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) awards for 13 corridors in 31 states. Washington State being granted $590 million for Seattle-Eugene, Oregon High Speed Rail Services including public and private funds being awarded to International King Street Station Renovation Project as historical place of interest.

WHEREAS, the Federal Railroad Administration received applications requesting seven times the available funds for the HSIPR ARRA grants; and

WHEREAS, developing this pipeline of national high-speed and intercity passenger rail projects will revitalize the domestic manufacturing industry and create additional American jobs building on the one million good-paying, middle-class creating American jobs that can never be off-shored already supported by the rail industry; and

WHEREAS, Washington State and Seattle ridership on Amtrak and private rail services grew every year from 2000 through 2008, and are on track in 2011 for its best ridership year ever, further demonstrating the increased demand for Washington State intercity passenger rail services; and

WHEREAS, Seattle, Washington is highly populated region for Amtrak Services and Private rail infrastructure carry intercity passengers and Sound Transit commuters to and Seattle Light Rail from work in congested metropolitan areas, providing a reliable rail option while reducing congestion on roads and in the skies; and

WHEREAS, Amtrak annually provides intercity passenger rail travel to over 25 million Americans residing in 46 states; and

WHEREAS, for many rail line communities in America, Amtrak represents the only major intercity transportation link to the rest of the country; and

WHEREAS, Seattle, Washington passenger rail provides a more fuel-efficient transportation system thereby providing cleaner transportation alternatives and energy security; and

WHEREAS, when combined with all modes of transportation, passenger railroads emit only 0.2 percent of the travel industry’s total greenhouse gases and one freight train can move a ton of freight 457 miles on one gallon of fuel; and

WHEREAS, in the City of Seattle, Washington, long distance train ridership exceeds 617,067 passengers, WSDOT Talgo Cascades exceeds 417, 686 passengers, Sound Transit commuter Rail ridership rose 12.5% and light rail ridership exceeds 21, 466 passengers got on and off the train at International King Street Station. Making Seattle, Washington "City of Destinations" ; and

WHEREAS, Seattle International King Street Railroad Station is a source of civic pride, a gateway to Washington State Rail Line Communities and Nations long distance trains, including connecting private rail services, including a tool for economic growth that creates transportation-oriented development and livable rail line communities; and

WHEREAS, on May 10, 1869 the “golden spike” was driven into the final tie at Promontory Summit, Utah to join the Central Pacific and the Union Pacific Railroads, ceremonially completing the first transcontinental railroad and therefore connecting both coasts of the United States;

WHEREAS,in May, 1888 the Northern Pacific Railroad completed the 2 mile long Stampede Tunnel through the Cascade Mountains in Washington State. Thus reaching the Puget Sound Shipping Ports in Seattle Region.

WHEREAS,On January 6, 1893 the Great Northern Railroad conquered the Cascades when the "Last Golden Spike" was driven into the line at Scenic, Washington. The Cascade Mountains no longer posed a significant challenge Westward to Seattle.

WHEREAS,On May 10, 1906 the Great Northern Railroad opened the King Street Train Staion.Under guildence of JJ Hill, the renowned architecture firm of Reed and Stem was selected to build the Seattle Terminus Station. Plans called for a 245-foot clock tower, modeled after the campanile at the Piazza de San Marco in Venice, Italy, serve as a beacon for travelers and citizens.

WHEREAS,On May 20, 1911 the Union Pacific Railroad and the Milwaukee Road opened the Seattle Union Staion, (originally known as the Oregon and Washington Station.

WHEREAS,During 1912-1914 the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad Constructed Snoqualmie Tunnel as part of its line from Chicago to Seattle. Electrification of Railroad in 1917, which gave the Milwaukee Road technological advantages toward modern railways.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Seattle, Washington embraces National Rail Passenger Corporation-Amtrak’s invitation to Discover the Rail WaySM; under American Train Destination Lines Coordinating Management.

BE IT RESOLVED, that City of Seattle endorse National Train Day 2011; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that City of Seattle recognizes and celebrates the pivotal role that a robust intercity passenger rail system can provide for better mobility for persons of all abilities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that City of Seattle will hold an event at International King Street and Union Station within Pioneer Square and International District, with railroad equipment exhibits and displays at specified location under existing local operating railroads for our community to commemorate this momentous day in railroad history and for our community.

seattletraindayevent@usa.com

(Amended: 5-12-2010)