HR 516 proposes a 74% increase in the railroad track maintenance tax credit from $3,500 to $6,100 per mile, directly benefiting Class I railroads CSX, Union Pacific, and Norfolk Southern via assigned miles from short-line partners. The bill has 164 cosponsors and a Senate companion (S1532), indicating strong bipartisan momentum. All three Class I railroads have gained 9-10% in the last 30 days, with current prices near their 52-week highs.
→ Short-line railroads directly benefit from higher credit limits on track they own/lease, reducing their own maintenance costs and increasing asset value
HR516