Passengers Applaud Speed and Judgment Shown in $2 Billion for High-Speed Trains

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (#11-15)

May 9, 2011

Contact: Sean Jeans-Gail – 202-408-8362 [mobile: 202-320-2723]

Vice President Joseph Biden and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced $2.02 billion in high-speed and intercity rail grants today at an event held in New York’s Penn Station.  The money will be distributed between 15 states and Amtrak for 22 high-speed intercity passenger rail projects.

“We are pleased with the speed and intelligence shown by the Federal Railroad Administration in redirecting Florida’s money” said NARP President & CEO Ross Capon.  “Americans should be concerned, however, that this $2 billion in high-speed rail funds represents the last money appropriated for this popular, over-subscribed program.  To meet the transportation and energy needs of our growing population, Congress needs to look ahead—and not in the rear-view mirror—when making funding decisions for next year’s budget.”

The awards represent a redirection of $2 billion in federal funds rejected by Florida Governor Rick Scott, killing the Tampa-Orlando high-speed rail project.  In a positive response to the governor’s unfortunate decision, 24 states—along with the District of Columbia and Amtrak—submitted nearly 100 applications for that money.  Applicants included 11 Republican governors.

A full list of projects can be found on the U.S. DOT’s website.

About the National Association of Railroad Passengers

NARP is the only national organization speaking for the users of passenger trains and rail transit. We have worked since 1967 to expand the quality and quantity of passenger rail in the U.S. Our mission is to work towards a modern, customer-focused national passenger train network that provides a travel choice Americans want. Our work is supported by over 22,000 individual members.

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