Amtrak Seeks Federal Funds to Expand and Upgrade Train Services.

Amtrak has applied for $176 million in Federal Railroad Administration funding to improve its long-distance network, including bringing back the Sunset Limited route that would connect Phoenix and Tucson. The Arizona Department of Transportation is also applying for a $3.5 million state grant to fund a study of a route that would go three times per day between Phoenix and Tucson. The proposal is expected to go through Congress quickly since the money is available, and it would bring more money and development to the area and reduce pollution.