Proposed AMTRAK Rail Service Between Philadelphia and Atlantic City

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the National Railroad Passenger Corporation's (AMTRAK) proposed rail service between Philadelphia and Atlantic City to determine whether: (1) plans for the 40-percent nonfederal match were firm and adequate; (2) federal, state, and local tax consequences to a private firm should be counted as part of the federal share; (3) the portions of the rail stations needed for rail service had been correctly identified; (4) a full environmental impact statement is required before federal funds can be released; and (5) the AMTRAK Board of Directors made a reasonable and objective determination of the project's estimated operating revenues.