These Presidential historical materials are in the custody of the National Archives and Records Administration under the provisions of Title I of the Presidential Recordings and Materials Preservation Act of 1974 (44 U.S.C. 2111 note), and implementing regulations. In accordance with the act and regulations, archivists reviewed the file group to identify private or personal as well as non-historical items. Such items, if found, have been withdrawn for return to the individual with primary proprietary or commemorative interest in them.
Materials covered by this act have been archivally processed and are described in this finding aid. Items that are security classified or otherwise restricted under the act and regulations have been removed and placed in a closed file. A Document Withdrawal Record (NA Form 14021) has been placed in the front of each folder describing each withdrawn item. Employees of the National Archives will review periodically the unclassified portions of closed materials for the purpose of opening those which no longer require restrictions. Classified documents may be reviewed for declassification under authority of Executive Order 13526 in response to Mandatory Review Request (NA Form 14020) submitted by the researcher.
- Linear measurement of materials: 7 in.
- Approximate number of pages: 1,000
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (also know as Amtrak) was established by the Rail Passenger Act of 1970 (84 Stat. 1327). The objective of the Act was to provide the United States with viable intercity rail passenger service, correct problems stemming from years of deterioration, and establish its proper place within the national transportation system. This was to be accomplished by consolidating national passenger rail service in a for-profit corporation. Amtrak was thus incorporated in the District of Columbia on March 30, 1971. The Corporation was governed by a Board of Directors. It consisted of first eleven, then fifteen members. Eight members were appointed by the President. Three members would be elected by the stockholders, with that number rising to a total of seven as the number of common-stock shares in the corporation increased. Amtrak rail service began on May 1, 1971.
The records of FG 301 are divided into two segments:
FG 301 National Railroad Passenger Corporation
FG 301-1 Financial Investment Advisory Panel
FG 301 NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGER CORPORATION (AMTRAK)
Amtrak administered the nation's passenger rail transportation system. This included purchasing and operating equipment, marketing rail transportation, and providing customer services for rail passengers. These records consist of correspondence, memorandums, reports, personnel actions, and press releases. Primary correspondents include the President, John Ehrlichman, H. R. Haldeman, John Dean, Charles Colson, Peter Flanigan, William Timmons, Harry Flemming, Robert Finch, Dwight Chapin, Egil Krogh, and Amtrak President Roger Lewis. Topics include the selection of the Board of Directors, the process and articles of incorporation, passenger train routes, Amtrak finances and services, and Presidential appointments to the Board of Directors.
FG 301-1 FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ADVISORY PANEL
The Rail Passenger Act also called for the creation of a Financial Investment Advisory Panel. The Panel advised Amtrak's Board of Directors on ways and means of increasing the capitalization of the corporation. The Panel consisted of fifteen members. Six represented the business of investment and commercial banking and rail transportation; two members represented the Secretary of the Treasury; and seven members represented the public. All served at the pleasure of the President. The records consist of memorandums, personnel information and actions, and press releases. Primary correspondents include the President, Harry Flemming, Peter Flanigan, Tom Jones, and Daniel Kingsley. The main topic is appointments to the Panel.
Corresponding oversized attachments have been processed and integrated into the files.
The terms Executive and General are used before the code FG 301 generally to determine the source of the materials. Items designated Executive are communications among national, foreign, state and local governments and their agencies, Members of Congress, and other prominent people. Items designated General are communications between Government officials and private citizens, institutions, and other private interests.
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