Groups laud Obama

Varied interests supportive of high speed rail, and indeed other forms of passenger rail transit, on Wednesday rushed to offer support for President Obama’s advocacy of improving transportation infrastructure as outlined in his State of the Union address.

Among other points, the President set a goal of connecting 80% of Americans by HSR within 25 years. Obama’s advocacy of HSR and transport was significant, given the political pressure to cut government support for numerous programs, pressure that the President himself acknowledged as a legitimate concern during his address.

“We continue to be encouraged that President Obama supports investing in America’s transportation infrastructure—recognizing the role it plays in creating jobs, growing the national economy and balancing the federal deficit,” said John Horsley, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. “The President understands that America needs a sustainable federal transportation program that helps state departments of transportation modernize and maintain our nation’s transportation systems, and creates jobs during a critical moment in our nation’s economic recovery.” 

Commented Rick Harnish, executive director of the Midwest High Speed Rail Association, “We applaud the President for establishing this bold and visionary goal. High speed trains are a critical investment in our future. They will cut travel times and cost while reducing hassle, making it easier for people to meet more often, leading to a more productive and more innovative economy.”

“The National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) pledges to support the President’s visionary plan for high speed rail” said Ross Capon, president of NARP. “And we are asking the President—along with the rest of the nation’s leaders and transportation officials—to work toward expanding the existing intercity passenger rail network to give 100% of Americans access to reliable, modern train service.”

The White House press office said the administration will release more details on his desires for high speed rail, transit, and Amtrak improvements when he delivers his fiscal year 2012 budget request to Congress in early February.