Asserting locomotive power

The response to President Obama’s offer of funding for high-speed rail has been overwhelming. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) included an $8 billion competitive grant program as a down payment to develop high-speed and intercity passenger rail networks. The President has proposed a continuing $1 billion annual investment to further this effort.

In response, rail agencies have submitted 278 pre-applications for grant funding totaling $102 billion to the Federal Railroad Administration, the U.S. DOT announced yesterday.

“The response has been tremendous and shows that the country is ready for high-speed rail,” DOT Secretary Ray LaHood said. “It’s time to look beyond our highways and invest in public transportation services like rail, which will enhance regional mobility and reduce our carbon footprint.”

Forty states and the District of Columbia filed pre-applications. The $8 billion promised so far is a drop in the bucket of what the pre-applications request, but the DOT said it will work with states and regions to identify priorities and prepare for ongoing high-speed passenger rail development.

The Department of Transportation issued a strategic plan for high-speed rail in April 2009, followed by guidelines for states and groups of states to apply for the economic recovery money in June 2009. The DOT expects to announce the first round of merit-based grants in the fall.

The final application deadline is August 24 for funding on individual projects and planning and October 2 for corridor programs.