Nothng is completely fair but few would argue that railroads, for the first time in decades, are being viewed as the solution to may of society's challenges. Public-Private Parnerships are an appropriate way for both entities to leverage their spending for mutual benefit.

For those who like to bash the industry, consider that it took years to get rid of the 4.3 cents per gallon diesel fuel tax that railroads paid into the General Fund. Unlike motor carriers (whose 4.3 cents / gallon was used for the Highway Trust Fund, the general fund had nothing to do with rail improvements. Let's see, a modern 6-axle holds 5000 gallons so that means more than $200 for every full tank. Over several years, that ain't chump change.