DOT sends out $2.4 billion in high speed grants
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced Thursday that DOT is sending grants totaling $2.4 billion to 54 rail projects in 23 states qualifying for aid under the Obama Administration’s high speed rail initiative.
“States understand that high speed rail represents a unique opportunity to create jobs, revitalize our manufacturing base, and spur economic development and provide people with jobs,” said LaHood (pictured at left).
DOT says 30 passenger railcar builders and component suppliers have agreed to establish or expand operations in the U.S. to meet the anticipated demand.
The largest grants are going to California, $901.574 million, and Florida, $808 million. Both of these states have plans for high speed lines that meet international standards. The remainder are for higher-speed (HrSR) lines.
