[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 224 (Friday, November 20, 1998)] [Notices] [Page 64536] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-31058] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration Amtrak Reform Council; Notice of Meeting AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of Amtrak Reform Council meeting. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: As provided in Section 203 of the Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act of 1997, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) gives notice of a meeting of the Amtrak Reform Council (``ARC''). The purpose of the meeting is to receive a briefing from the Department of Transportation's Inspector General regarding the independent assessment of Amtrak's financial needs and to take up such other matters as the Council or its members deem appropriate. DATES: The ARC meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday, November 24, 1998. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held in Krieble Center, Free Congress Foundation, 717 Second Street, NE, Washington, DC. The meeting is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Portions of the meeting may be closed to the public at the discretion of the Council if proprietary information is to be discussed. Persons in need of special arrangements should contact the person whose name is listed below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alexander Chavrid, Passengers Programs Division, Office of Railroad Development, FRA, RDV-13, Mail Stop 20, 1120 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20590 (mailing address only) or by telephone at (202) 493-6380. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The ARC was created by the Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act of 1997 (ARAA) as an independent commission to evaluate Amtrak's performance and make recommendations to Amtrak for achieving further cost containment and productivity improvements, and financial reforms. In addition, the ARAA requires: that the ARC monitor cost savings resulting from work rules established under new agreements between Amtrak and its labor unions; that the ARC provide an annual report to Congress that includes an assessment of Amtrak's progress on the resolution of productivity issues; and that after two years the ARC begin to make findings on whether Amtrak can meet certain financial goals and, if not, to notify the President and the Congress. The ARAA provides that the ARC consist of eleven members, including the Secretary of Transportation and ten others nominated by the President or Congressional leaders. Each member is to serve a 5 year term. Issued in Washington, DC on November 17, 1998. Mark E. Yachmetz, Chief, Passenger Programs Division. [FR Doc. 98-31058 Filed 11-19-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-06-P