Jetsettersblog

An agreement between California and Nevada to extend the California High-Speed Rail Corridor from the Los Angeles area to Las Vegas was announced last week by U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, as well as key members of the Nevada labor community, business leaders and other elected officials.

“The extension of the California corridor is another great example of regional cooperation, which will be critical to transforming travel in America and the creation of a national system of high-speed rail lines,” LaHood said.

“We will continue to encourage new and innovative partnerships like this one. We believe that the development of regional high-speed passenger rail systems will create jobs, spur economic development and provide positive environmental benefits for all Americans.”

“Today we’ve taken a giant step towards strengthening Nevada’s economy,” Reid said. “High-speed rail not only provides a much needed means of transportation that will reduce congestion on I-15, but it will create jobs at a time when Nevada needs them the most, increase tourism and reduce our reliance on foreign oil.”
In April, President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and LaHood announced the effort to transform the nation’s transportation system by developing rail infrastructure and launching high-speed passenger rail services in 100- to 600-mile corridors that connect U.S. communities.

The Obama Administration is moving fast to put in place this agenda. Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), which included an $8 billion High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail (HSIPR) grant program.

Obama has proposed a continuing $1 billion annual investment in high-speed rail. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a strategic plan for high-speed rail and recently announced guidelines for states and groups of states to apply for the economic recovery funds. The DOT expects to announce the first round of merit-based grants in the fall.

For more information, visit www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov  or www.fra.dot.gov/us/content/31