WASHINGTON — A trio of Southern Democratic congressmen have come out in favor of the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger.
Calling rail freight “vital to our states and the country’s economy,” a letter from U.S. Reps. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, and Troy Carter and Cleo Fields of Louisiana urged Surface Transportation Board Chairman Patrick Fuchs to conduct a careful review that will help lead to “a more efficient, reliable, and competitive transportation network for our country.”
Norfolk Southern operates in both states while UP’s eastern terminus is in New Orleans.
“In our detailed discussions with Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, we have learned that the proposed merger could offer a unique opportunity to strengthen the newly combined company’s current rail network and deliver tangible benefits for shippers, consumers, and communities,” the congressmen wrote.
Carter’s support is important, as he is a member of the House Committee on Energy & Commerce, which legislates on interstate and foreign commerce, and also oversees the Department of Transportation.
The railroads anticipate filing their formal merger application with the STB this week.
— A version of this article originally appeared at FreightWaves.com. To report news or errors, contact trainsnewswire@firecrown.com.
Campaign checks have been cashed. Obviously New Orleans would take a major interchange and employment hit.