McFarren Group, Inc. McFarren Associates, PC

 

In 1996, The McFarren Group, in cooperation with six railroad companies, created the Keystone State Railroad Association. Phillip D. McFarren was Executive Director and lead the Association from 1996 through 1995. A strong communications program was developed and many legislators who now read our Eye on Rails newsletter use this as their main source of information regarding issues important to the industry. We try not to just report yesterday’s headlines, but rather provide an analysis of likely impact of various legislative proposals. We mix this approach with a timely presentation of factual information which every legislator should know. We attempt never to favor any one political party nor do we pull any punches when someone proposes something which will be very negative for the railroad industry.

We have become an effective political player in Pennsylvania, very effective in establishing grassroots support for federal issues in cooperation with ALSRRA and AAR.

We have established political support for a tremendous increase in state program funding not only for railroads but also for customers. We obtained another 25% increase in state funding in 2006 which is a valuable financial support to the $30-35 million range per year. This program is primarily for the regional and short line railroads and railroad customers in the Commonwealth. Financing for special infrastructure improvements for Class I railroads is usually from additional and supplemental funding – often with special legislation.

McFarren Group and McFarren & Associates represent a solid array of
Regional Railroads with common goals.

The McFarren Group and McFarren & Associates represents by contract railroads and other clients on non-competitive issues on the political radar screen of state government