Amtrak Press Release

STATEMENT FROM AMTRAK
ON IMPASSE TO REACH FINAL OPERATING CONTRACT
FOR SKI TRAIN TO WINTER PARK, COLORADO

CHICAGO — “Iowa Pacific Holdings, LLC (IPH) does not have an agreement with Amtrak to begin operation of the ski train service between Denver and Winter Park, Colo., on December 27, 2009.

“Amtrak was first asked in August to consider operating the train for IPH. Although since that time Amtrak has engaged in negotiations with IPH to supply the locomotive engineers and conductors to operate the train equipment provided by IPH over tracks owned by Union Pacific Railroad, no final contract has been reached due to unresolved issues related to staffing requirements, passenger railcar equipment, and liability.

“Additionally, Amtrak has not received notice that IPH has achieved compliance with all applicable federal rail safety regulations.

“It is unfortunate that IPH marketed and sold tickets for the ski train without first making certain it was able to provide the service.”