By Bill Raack, KWMU
Kirkwood, MO – As an Amtrak train pulled to a stop in Kirkwood, members of the joint committee on transportation talked about how to keep the service alive in Missouri.
Democratic state Senator Joan Bray says they need a committment from the federal government.
"If Congress would come up with a program for passenger rail like it has for all other modes, what the state's investing now would be good, would be plenty," Bray said. "But we can't count on that immediately."
The state will give Amtrak about $6 million this fiscal year.
The rail service provides twice-daily trains between St. Louis and Kansas City.
The interim committee will provide recommendations to the Missouri General Assembly next year.