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Leavenworth council backs federal funding for Amtrak; local and rail advocates warn aging cars risk service
Summary
The Leavenworth City Council unanimously approved Resolution 19-20-25 on July 22 urging continued federal funding for Amtrak’s long‑distance network, even as a local rail advocate warned existing train equipment is deteriorating and an Amtrak representative described ongoing procurement efforts.
The Leavenworth City Council unanimously approved Resolution 19-20-25 on July 22 urging continued federal funding for Amtrak’s long‑distance network, while outside advocates and an Amtrak official exchanged sharply different assessments of the railroad’s equipment outlook.
Mark Myers, of the Adura Group, told the council the immediate threat to long‑distance service is failing equipment. “The equipment is so old on these trains now that it's likely to expire before anything new is being built,” Myers said, adding that current refurbishment sums won’t address mechanical, electrical or plumbing failures and that full overhauls can cost millions per car.
Why it matters: Leavenworth is on the Empire Builder route; advocates said loss or shortened service would affect local rail access and tourism. The resolution asks Amtrak’s congressional supporters to sustain funding that proponents say is needed to preserve service while federal procurement proceeds.
Chase Kitchen, identified in the meeting as Amtrak staff, told the council Amtrak has a five‑year strategic plan and is pursuing procurement and refurbishment work. “Our procurement for the long‑distance fleet is ongoing,” Kitchen said, and noted Amtrak’s FY‑26 appropriation request includes roughly $25.8 million intended for refurbishing existing equipment. He said ridership is at record levels on parts of the network and that Amtrak is taking time to align equipment design and manufacturing.
Myers disputed whether that refurbishment funding will be sufficient to keep cars in service until new equipment arrives. He said prior rounds of spending described as “refresh” had amounted to cosmetic updates such as carpets and drapes, not comprehensive mechanical overhauls. He contrasted $50,000–$60,000‑per‑car refresh budgets with the multi‑million‑dollar estimates he said are needed for full rehabilitation.
Council action: Councilmember Zeke Reister moved to approve the resolution; the motion was seconded by Councilmember Shaney (recorded in the minutes as Shaney/Shannon). The motion passed unanimously.
Discussion vs. decision: The council’s vote was a policy statement supporting continued federal investment; no new city budget commitments or formal legal obligations were made. Councilmembers said they would share the council’s position with their congressional delegations.
What’s next: The mayor’s office said the resolution will be sent to appropriate federal representatives and Amtrak stakeholders.
Sources: Statements by Mark Myers (Adura Group) and Chase Kitchen (Amtrak) during the July 22 Leavenworth City Council meeting; Resolution 19‑20‑25 as presented to the council.
Ending: The council framed the vote as a signal to elected officials that the community values continued long‑distance passenger rail service while acknowledging differing views about whether short‑term refurbishment funding will preserve the fleet until new equipment is available.
