The Transportation Department is trying to revive the American rail car building industry. DOT issued a request for proposals for 130 new bi-level cars for intercity Amtrak routes. The buy is potentially worth $551 million.

The money comes from the Federal Railroad Administration’s High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail Program.

DOT officials estimated the railcars would require work from 34,000 subcontractors. The RFP said all parts of the cars must be built by American works using U.S.-produced iron, steel and parts.

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