For Immediate Release

The Amtrak Reform Council announces the appointment of its newest Council member, Ms. Nancy Rutledge Connery, an independent researcher, lecturer and policy advisor on infrastructure, transportation, and community development. On July 26th, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott informed the President of the Senate of the appointment of Ms. Connery. She will replace Mr. Joe Vranich who recently resigned from the Council.

"The Council welcomes its newest member," said Gil Carmichael, Chairman. "I speak for the entire Council when I say we are looking forward to benefiting from Ms. Connery's experience, especially her expertise in the area of infrastructure, as the Council works towards its goal of improving rail passenger service in the U.S."

The Amtrak Reform Council is an independent Federal oversight commission established under the provisions of the Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act of 1997 (P. L. 105-134) to recommend improvements in Amtrak's operations and to monitor its financial performance.

The Council's next scheduled business meeting and seminar will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2000 in Washington, D.C. An agenda for this meeting will be available on our website in late August 2000. For more information, please contact the Council's office at (202) 366-0631 or visit the Council's website at www.amtrakreformcouncil.gov.