$2.4 billion awarded for high-speed rail projects

$2.4 billion awarded for high-speed rail projects       Fifty-four high-speed rail projects in 23 states will receive a combined $2.4 billion as part of the Obama administration's initiative to build a nationwide high-speed passenger rail service, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced Thursday.
   The department said it received 132 applications seeking more than three times the money available. The second round of funding for high-speed rail was made available by Congress in the DOT's fiscal year 2010 appropriation. Last year, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included $8 billion to jump-start high-speed and intercity passenger projects on 11 designated corridors. Thirty-one states and the District of Columbia are sharing the first round of funding.
   The grants will be used to construct track and stations, purchase new passenger equipment, and conduct planning studies for passenger rail service. High-speed rail has implications for freight movement because freight railroads are collaborating to use some of their networks for passenger service. Passenger rail is also touted as a way to reduce congestion on roads and highways, making it easier for trucks to operate.
   California received the most money, $901 million, among states this time. It is already far along in its passenger rail development after many years of planning.

LaHood

      'Demand for high-speed rail dollars is intense and it demonstrates just how important this historic initiative is,' DOT Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement. 'States understand that high-speed rail represents a unique opportunity to create jobs, revitalize our manufacturing base, spur economic development and provide people with an environmentally friendly transportation option.'   
   States are already putting the 2009 stimulus funding to work, according to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Contractors are testing soils and surveying property for a line along I-4 between Tampa and Orlando, Fla., and Illinois is upgrading 39 miles of Union Pacific track for high-seed service between Alton and Lincoln. ' Eric Kulisch