States, manufacturers racing to get high-speed rail money

First grants to be awarded

Steve Hawley, Sep 10, 09.

Numerous states, manufacturers, and construction firms are seeking a portion of the $8 billion in stimulus money allotted for high-speed rail, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The article reports that Amtrak has worked with 24 states seeking high-speed rail, and private firms have provided support as well. Siemens USA has spent $26 million to expand a Sacramento factory where it produces rail cars, and several foreign companies are also hoping to garner business with high-speed rail by building trains. Freight rail operators also stand to gain, because high-speed rail will often use freight tracks, and because rail investments will speed freight delivery times.

According to the article, true high-speed rail service such as in Europe and Asia - where speeds exceed 200 miles per hour - is several decades away. The first step, it says, will be to upgrade many existing lines from 79 miles per hour to between 110 and 125 miles per hour.

The Federal Railroad Administration will start awarding the first grants later this month. The Texas Department of Transportation has requested $1.9 billion for a high-speed route connecting Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, but it is unlikely to receive any initial funding.