On Saturday, December 21, 2024, the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed Valley Regional Transit’s CEO, Elaine Clegg, to serve on the Amtrak Board of Directors. Clegg will be sworn in alongside three other incoming board members in the coming weeks.
“I applaud today’s confirmations of David Capozzi, Elaine Clegg, Ronald Batory and Lanhee Chen and look forward to working with them to ensure Amtrak wisely uses the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s investments to improve the passenger experience by purchasing new railcars, improving accessibility and upgrading stations and tracks,” said U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. “As the first board member from the Pacific Northwest in over three decades, Ms. Clegg knows the importance of the Cascades, Empire Builder and Coast Starlight services. She will be a valuable advocate on the Board for improving and expanding service in the region.”
Read more: Cantwell Applauds Senate Confirmation of Amtrak Board of Directors
“I am incredibly honored to join Amtrak as a member of the Board of Directors, an appointment I do not take lightly,” Clegg said. “I am excited to contribute to Amtrak’s mission of delivering safe, reliable, and innovative services that connect people and strengthen communities across the United States. I look forward to helping shepherd passenger rail service to the places where it doesn’t exist today and bringing a Western point of view and experience that the Amtrak Board has historically lacked.” The prestigious appointment is a testament to Clegg’s decades-long commitment to public transit, sustainable infrastructure, and connecting communities through innovative transportation solutions. She has long supported Idaho’s Senator Crapo and his work to re-establish passenger rail in southern Idaho and has a special thanks for his hard work in pushing the nomination throughout the process. With her extensive expertise, Clegg is now poised to drive meaningful advancements in intercity rail services and ensure alignment with regional transit priorities. “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the local elected officials, community leaders, and our congressional delegation who supported my nomination and advocated for this appointment,” Clegg added. “Tireless efforts by a host of public servants and their belief in my vision for expanding and improving transit connectivity have been invaluable. I want to especially thank Senators Risch, Cantwell and Schumer for getting this over the finish line. I am honored to represent our region on the national stage.” The confirmation underscores the importance of regional voices in shaping the future of national transportation networks and highlights the Treasure Valley as a regional leader in sustainable and equitable transportation solutions – especially those that enhance connectivity in the West. Clegg’s initial nomination was made by President Joe Biden in May of this year, followed by a committee nomination hearing in September and committee approval on December 12.