I just received a press release from Governor Kaine's office announcing news that should make supporters of high-speed rail (like yours truly) very happy.Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that the Commonwealth has submitted pre-applications for more than $2 billion of high speed rail projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s (ARRA) high speed rail program. The rail stimulus program will provide $8 billion in federal funds to support high speed and intercity passenger rail projects across the country. Virginia’s applications focus on the I-95 corridor between Washington, DC and Petersburg. The projects will further the Commonwealth’s commitment to commercial and passenger rail options, including recent infrastructure investments and public-private partnerships.In addition to the I-95 rail corridor between Washington, DC and Petersburg, the "Richmond/Hampton Roads corridor" is the top priority for passenger rail improvements in Virginia.
Today was the final day for states to submit pre-applications for all rail projects using federal stimulus money - the money Republicans rejected, by the way - and grants are set to be awarded beginning this fall. Wouldn't it be cool to have work started on high-speed rail between Washington, DC and/or Petersburg or Richmond and Hampton Roads by next year? Great stuff; thank you President Obama and Democratic Congress!
P.S. I'd take a high-speed train to Richmond any day over that horrible slog down I-95 in the car. There's absolutely no comparison; GO RAIL!
