High Speed Rail

I have posted previously about the necessity and advantages of high speed rail. The reduced energy required for rail travel, the lower CO2 emissions and the boost provided to the economy are all excellent reasons to undertake this now.

Fortunately, the White House announced that it wants to remake rail with a huge new federal investment in high-speed passenger trains.

The $787.2 billion economic recovery bill — to be signed by President Barack Obama on Tuesday — dedicates $8 billion to high-speed rail.

It’s a sum that far surpasses anything before attempted in the United States — and more is coming. Administration officials indicates it will ask for $1 billion more for high-speed rail in each of the next five years.

As a candidate for president, Obama spoke of high-speed rail as part of his vision of “rebuilding America.” Campaigning in Indiana, he talked of revitalizing the Midwest by connecting cities with faster rail service to relieve congestion and improve energy conservation.

“The time is right now for us to start thinking about high-speed rail as an alternative to air transportation connecting all these cities,” he said. “And think about what a great project that would be in terms of rebuilding America.”

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is given 60 days to come up with a strategic plan for the funds.