March 29, 201114 yr ^ Well, maybe Ohio can connect to this in the future. A true high speed Philly to Kansas City line through Cbus and Dayton (I-70 corridor) would be pretty amazing.
March 29, 201114 yr Author One more. This one is a surprise, but is probably put out there to show he's not such an anti-rail ideologue after all. I suspect this is for the $18 million in federal funds for the Hiawatha (after he gave back the $800 million).... Walker To Make Transportation Announcement By The WTMJ News Team and the Associated Press MILWAUKEE - Gov. Scott Walker will be making an announcement in Milwaukee related to a transportation project. The governor's office released a statement announcing a news conference Tuesday morning. Sources are telling us that Walker may announce that he's looking to upgrade the Amtrak Hiawatha line. READ MORE AT: http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/118839849.html "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 29, 201114 yr So Scott Walker is now seeking federal funds to upgrade the Hiawath Amtrak line to 100mph...I think I just saw a pig fly outside somewhere. Mr. Anti Rail himself. When your approval rating is so low, I guess you'll do anything to win a re-election
March 29, 201114 yr State seeks high-speed rail money for Hiawatha upgrade By Larry Sandler of the Journal Sentinel Updated: March 29, 2011 12:02 p.m. |(202) Comments Less than four months after losing nearly all of an $810 million grant, Wisconsin is again seeking federal high-speed rail money - this time to upgrade the existing Milwaukee-to-Chicago passenger line. Gov. Scott Walker's administration will announce Tuesday that the state will seek at least $150 million to add equipment and facilities for Amtrak's Hiawatha line. The upgrades apparently would not increase the speed of the 79-mph line but could provide the capacity to increase the Hiawatha's frequency from the current seven round trips daily. In a bizarre twist, some of the money that Walker is now seeking originally was allocated for the Milwaukee-to-Madison route he previously turned down. That money is available because a fellow Republican governor rejected it, as well. Read more at: http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/118842999.html
March 29, 201114 yr ^Well if he's willing to change his tune on rail maybe we can get Kasich to ask for money to get us a train that sees daylight.
March 29, 201114 yr Lol, Walker's such an idiot. He's convinced that this is somehow a different rail corridor.
March 30, 201114 yr ^Well if he's willing to change his tune on rail maybe we can get Kasich to ask for money to get us a train that sees daylight. Don't hold your breath. Any expectation of Kasich being reasonable about passenger rail is a fantasy.
March 30, 201114 yr Missouri seeks $1B for Kansas City-St. Louis high-speed rail Kansas City Business Journal Missouri will apply for almost $1 billion in high-speed rail financing from the federal government to build a line between Kansas City and St. Louis, Gov. Jay Nixon announced Tuesday morning. The proposal would include two phases — immediately upgrading existing rail lines to improve Amtrak train speeds and reliability, and preparing to build a separate high-speed line. The immediate upgrades would help create more than 1,300 construction jobs in Missouri during the next few years, Nixon said Read more: http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2011/03/29/missouri-seeks-federal-dollars-for.html
March 30, 201114 yr Missouri seeks $1B for Kansas City-St. Louis high-speed rail Kansas City Business Journal Missouri will apply for almost $1 billion in high-speed rail financing from the federal government to build a line between Kansas City and St. Louis, Gov. Jay Nixon announced Tuesday morning. The proposal would include two phases immediately upgrading existing rail lines to improve Amtrak train speeds and reliability, and preparing to build a separate high-speed line. The immediate upgrades would help create more than 1,300 construction jobs in Missouri during the next few years, Nixon said Read more: http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2011/03/29/missouri-seeks-federal-dollars-for.html Now here is a state that is at least as conservative in its politics as Ohio....and they have agressively pursued the expansion of passenger rail. What it says is that they realize this is not about idology or politics....it's about moving people better and investing in our rail infrastructure.....as this will also benefit the movement of freight on the Union Pacific main line between KC and STL.
March 31, 201114 yr It sounds as if Walker has just been made aware of the impact that Talgo's intent to move most of its jobs farther west, and he's trying to salvage what he can while saving face and not appearing to backpedal. I haven't been to Milwaukee since the Amtrak station was renovated, but I understand the renovation didn't include fixing the trainshed. That place is a deplorable mess and a hazard to passengers in icy weather. The lighting is poor, the platform surfaces are cracked, patched, and uneven, and the roof leaks. In cold weather the wet platforms turn to ice rinks. No matter how nice the station is on the inside or from the street, the trainshed makes a poor first impression on any new visitor arriving there.
March 31, 201114 yr Author Fort Worth frets over passenger rail Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Officials in Fort Worth, Tex.—perhaps eyeing nearby Dallas’s determination to expand passenger rail opportunities—have noted their city ranks among the lowest in U.S. public transit use, and are calling for expedited action in adding rail to the city’s mix. Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief believes the city must more aggressively establish its proposed commuter rail line, Tarrant Express (or TEX), from southwest Fort Worth to Grapevine and the north end of Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. "We have a desperate need for commuter rail," Moncrief said during a recent joint meeting of the City Council and the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (the T) at the city's convention center. The line, projected to cost $500 million, is scheduled to begin revenue service in 2015, assuming federal matching funds are found to cover 50% of the project. READ MORE AT: http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/fort-worth-frets-over-its-passenger-rail-future-2966.html "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 31, 201114 yr Author http://www.fra.dot.gov/roa/press_releases/fp_FRA3-11.shtml U.S. Department of Transportation Announces $1 Million Grant for West Virginia to Develop State Rail Plan FRA 3-11 Thursday, March 31, 2011 Contact: Rob Kulat Tel.: (202) 493-6024 U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced $1 million for the State of West Virginia to develop a state rail plan that will serve as a blueprint for guiding the state’s rail investment strategies. “This plan will help West Virginia identify rail lines that will best serve shippers and passengers well into the future,” said Secretary LaHood. “It is an important part of the President’s plan to win the future by targeting critical rail projects.” The grant will be matched by $1 million from the State of West Virginia. The plan will inventory existing freight and passenger rail lines in the state and analyze the potential for new freight, high-speed, intercity and commuter corridors, including tourist railroads. “Planning for freight and passenger rail has been ignored for too many years, and state rail plans will create a sound basis for future, targeted investment,” said Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph C. Szabo. “Such plans are all part of the President’s long term vision to best use our railroads and create new opportunities for rail.” To date, more than $5.3 billion has been obligated to States under the Federal Railroad Administration’s High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program. The Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 requires each state to develop a State Rail Plan. The plan is also required for any application for additional intercity passenger rail grants. ### "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 31, 201114 yr It sounds as if Walker has just been made aware of the impact that Talgo's intent to move most of its jobs farther west, and he's trying to salvage what he can while saving face and not appearing to backpedal. I haven't been to Milwaukee since the Amtrak station was renovated, but I understand the renovation didn't include fixing the trainshed. That place is a deplorable mess and a hazard to passengers in icy weather. The lighting is poor, the platform surfaces are cracked, patched, and uneven, and the roof leaks. In cold weather the wet platforms turn to ice rinks. No matter how nice the station is on the inside or from the street, the trainshed makes a poor first impression on any new visitor arriving there. That picture looks it could be used in a Hollywood Horror movie. I can just see Michael Myers chasing some teenager around there
April 1, 201114 yr Author UP to host HSR contractor info session Thursday, March 31, 2011 Union Pacific is inviting rail industry suppliers and other interested parties to a High-Speed Rail General Contractor and Sub-Contractor Information Session, scheduled for April 20 at Chicago’s Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.), third floor, Festival Hall A, Room 301, beginning at 4:45 p.m. Central Time. The Class I railroad notes that UP and the Illinois Department of Transportation are preparing to upgrade about 215 miles of existing right-of-way from Chicago to St. Louis, as part of the High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail program. UP will host an informational session about available general contractor and subcontractor opportunities, scale of work, qualifications, schedule and timing for contractor bid submissions, for a variety of required services, including paving, pavement marking, grading, track construction, traffic control, structural replacement of bridges and culverts, and erosion control/seeding. READ MORE AT: http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/up-to-host-hsr-contractor-info-session-2973.html AND............ California seeks funds spurned by Florida Thursday, March 31, 2011 The California High-Speed Rail Authority voted unanimously Wednesday to apply for the $2.38 billion in high speed rail funding that Florida Gov. Rick Scott rejected. The money would permit the extension of extenda starter Central Valley segment of a planned 800-mile system. In California’s favor may be the simple fact that it has a Democratic governor, Jerry Brown, who supports President Obama’s high speed railinitiative. Influential Republican leaders in Congress want to reduce or even eliminate high speed rail funding as part of multibillion-dollar cuts in the federal budget. Before Florida acted, Wisconsin and Ohio rejected smaller funding amounts for higher-speed rail (HrSR) projects, which the FRA then redistributed. READ MORE AT: http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/california-seeks-funds-spurned-by-florida-2974.html "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
April 1, 201114 yr Author Wow..... Ontario, Toronto near TTC plan accord Thursday, March 31, 2011 Ontario and the city of Toronto Thursday planned to announce a revised C$12.4 billion plan to extend the Toronto Transit Commission’s Sheppard subway line in two directions, and to build a new Eglinton light rail line from Jane Street to Kennedy Station. The province will spend $8.2 billion on the new 20-kilometer (12.4-mile) Eglinton Crosstown Metro, a light rail line, running underground from Black Creek toKennedy Station and continuing above ground along the existing Scarborough Rapid Transit route, to be converted to conventional LRT use. Still undetermined is the $4.2 billion in financing sought for the Sheppard subway extensions west to Downsview station and east to Scarborough Town Centre, a project sought by Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, who favors underground rail projects despite the higher per-mile costs. Ford, a vocal opponent of Transit City, vowed to ban additional street running by LRT or streetcar vehicles, claiming such use interfered with vehicular traffic; his opposition has resulted in the elimination of at least one LRT extension on the Finch Line, though light rail advocates continue to challenge the administration’s stance. READ MORE AT: http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/ontario-toronto-near-ttc-plan-accord-2968.html AND......... Metrolinx buys portion of CN rail line Thursday, March 31, 2011 Metrolinx, Ontario’s regional transport agency for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, has purchased a section of CN’s Kingston Subdivision rail line, used primarily for regional and intercity rail operations in eastern Toronto, for C$299 million. The segment acquired runs from east of Toronto’s Union Station to a junction near Whites Road in Pickering, Ont., where the line connects with GO Transit’s separate rail right-of-way. Metrolinx President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce McCuaig said, “With today's announcement, Metrolinx gains full ownership of an important segment of GO Transit's Lakeshore East commuter rail corridor from Union Station to Oshawa, Ont., and a direct connection to GO's Stouffville corridor in eastern Toronto.” Metrolinx now owns 61% o the right-of-way used by GO Transit. READ MORE AT: http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/metrolinx-buys-portion-of-cn-rail-line-2971.html "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
April 1, 201114 yr Author And a third state/city.... Second bore begun on Second Avenue Subway Thursday, March 31, 2011 A Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) has begun mining the second (east) tunnel for New York City’s Second Avenue Subway. Starting again from 92nd Street, the machine has begun carving a tunnel will be 7,800 feet in length, largely (but not exclusively) through Manhattan schist. The TBM previously mined 7,162 feet for the first tunnel. New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority says the second tunnel will include a tight, westerly curve into its existing 63rd Street Station. Once completed, the tunnel will receive the concrete lining which provides the permanent tunnel structure. READ MORE AT: http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/second-bore-begun-on-second-avenue-subway-2970.html "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
April 4, 201114 yr Boston Globe Editorial Northeast must not let inertia doom hopes of high-speed rail April 3, 2011 It's encouraging, up to a point, that Massachusetts officials are taking advantage of the sudden availability of more federal high-speed rail money to seek $110 million to replace a 92-year-old bridge in Haverhill. The bridge has become a bottleneck, slowing MBTA commuter trains and Amtrak’s Downeaster service to Maine. But when the best proposal officials could devise was to fix up an aging bridge — one outside the busy route to New York and Washington, no less — it exposed a lack of vision regionwide. Instead of just tinkering with existing rail lines, Massachusetts and the rest of the Northeast should be working to bring the next generation of true high-speed trains to the region. With a rail-friendly president, congested airports, and rising gas prices, the political and economic case for moving to Asian- and European-style high-speed trains running at 200 miles per hour has never been stronger. Unfortunately, the biggest beneficiary of President Obama’s rail program so far has been California, in part because the Northeast lacked any “shovel-ready’’ plans for such high-speed trains when the federal stimulus was unveiled in 2009. Read more at: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2011/04/03/northeast_must_not_let_inertia_doom_hopes_of_high_speed_rail/
April 4, 201114 yr Rail agreement brings more trains, faster commute times High-speed rail agreement means decreased commute times for students By Justin Rose Staff Writer Published: Sunday, April 3, 2011 Updated: Sunday, April 3, 2011 21:04 Area train riders can look forward to more reliable trains and faster commute times thanks to an agreement between N.C. and Norfolk Southern Railway Co., N.C. Railroad Co., and Amtrak. The agreement, approved by the Federal Railroad Administration, allows construction to begin on the state's rail modernization program. It releases $461 million in federal funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that will pay for upgrades to tracks between the state's two largest cities, Raleigh and Charlotte, bridges and crossing safety improvements, station expansions in four cities along that path and construction of a maintenance facility in Charlotte, according to a press release. The funding will also enable North Carolina to improve the speed and reliability of passenger service, add a fourth daily round trip between Charlotte and Raleigh in coming years and refurbish locomotives and rail cars, according to Joan Bagherpour, Marketing Manager of the NCDOT Rail Division. Read more at: http://www.technicianonline.com/news/rail-agreement-brings-more-trains-faster-commute-times-1.2529886
April 4, 201114 yr At least in North Carolina, the highway guys get it that rail means jobs..... Debate Cut Short on North Carolina Bill to Kill Rail Grants 03/30/2011 The News & Observer By Bruce Siceloff, The News & Observer, Raleigh, N.C. March 30--RALEIGH -- Members of a House committee lost their chance Tuesday to debate a Republican bill to kill $461 million in federal railroad construction grants. But forces on both sides of the issue continued building arguments about jobs and state spending. A dozen legislators have signed on to join Rep. Ric Killian of Charlotte, the lead sponsor -- including four who, like Killian, are voting against spending tens of millions of dollars on projects in their respective districts. Killian took up most of the discussion time at a House Transportation Committee meeting, which adjourned before committee members had a chance to speak on his proposal. But a road-building industry lobbyist was given a few minutes to plead for thousands of jobs that would be financed with stimulus funds for high-speed and intercity rail improvements. The money was committed to North Carolina last week by the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the state DOT is preparing to seek bids on 24 projects. Read more at: http://southeast.construction.com/yb/se/article.aspx?story_id=157408734
April 5, 201114 yr Commuter Rail 4/5/2011 Connecticut governor backs commuter-rail plan Yesterday, Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy announced plans to “aggressively pursue” the construction of a commuter-rail line between Bristol and Waterbury. The project — which is in the early study and planning stages — would address the needs of commuters along the proposed route, he said in a prepared statement. Malloy directed a study of the Central Connecticut Rail Alternative to be included on the April bond commission agenda for $1 million. The project would call for using a portion of Pan Am Railways’ lines from Waterbury to Hartford; in Waterbury, the commuter-rail route would connect to a line that runs north to Maine and south to New York City. The need to understand changing commuter patterns in a large central Connecticut region is critical as the state faces “new economic realities,” said Malloy Read more at: http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article/Connecticut-governor-backs-commuterrail-plan--26226
April 6, 201114 yr Flood of Applicants Seek $10 Billion in Rail Grants Passenger rail projects would share corridors with freight railroads John D. Boyd | Apr 6, 2011 3:28PM GMT The Journal of Commerce Online - News Story The Obama administration's embattled passenger rail program got a solid line of endorsements this week, when applications poured in seeking $10 billion in grants for 90 track projects, most of which would be in corridors shared with freight railroads. That's about four times the $2.43 billion in available grant funding, which Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood opened up for competition in mid-March. Applicants had to get their paperwork in no later than April 4. Read more at: http://www.joc.com/government-regulation/flood-applicants-seek-10-billion-rail-grants
April 7, 201114 yr Michigan among states vying for $2.4B for high-speed railDavid Shepardson / Detroit News Washington Washington— Michigan and 23 other states have submitted applications totaling nearly $10 billion for high-speed rail funding after Florida returned money it was allocated. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder's office said the state sought more than $200 million for four projects, including $196.5 million for a program to complete a "corridor enhancement program over the next three years between Kalamazoo and Dearborn" and would allow trains to travel up to 110 mph in that stretch. Tim Hoeffner, MDOT administrator of high-speed rail and innovative projects advancement, said the improvement could be completed by the end of 2013 and shave 50 minutes off the Detroit-Chicago train trip — reducing it to about four hours. From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110406/POLITICS03/104060409/Michigan-among-states-vying-for-$2.4B-for-high-speed-rail#ixzz1IqHayuDZ
April 7, 201114 yr West Virginia to take a closer look at rail system By Clark Davis West Virginia Public Radio April 7, 2011 · Businesses in West Virginia continue to rely on the railroads for transporting goods. With the help of a matching grant from the federal government and the state, officials are considering how the rail system can be improved. United States Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and State Representative Nick Rahall last week announced a $1 million grant for West Virginia to develop a state rail plan. It will serve as a guideline for the state’s rail investment strategies. The sound of freight trains is common here in Huntington as well as across West Virginia. The planning process, made possible by the new grant, will examine freight and passenger lines already in place It will also focus on future possibilities for commuters and tourists. Read more at: http://www.wvpubcast.org/newsarticle.aspx?id=19640
April 7, 201114 yr Author Last Updated: April 5, 2011 07:59pm ET Economist: SunRail Commuter Rail Will Transform Central Florida By Jennifer LeClaire ORLANDO-Transformation. That’s the word that enters economist David Marks’ mind when he looks at the plans for the SunRail commuter rail system that will link Orlando with Volusia, Seminole, and Osceola communities. As Marks sees it, the SunRail will transform Central Florida into a modern, sustainable community that will dramatically improve Central Florida’s economy. “SunRail’s 61-mile route will eventually define the core of urban living in Central Florida,” says David Marks, a nationally-recognized urban economist who has amassed a 20-year study of sustainable communities. “For an area of about two-miles from these rail stations—an area of approximately 8,000 acres—we’ll see the sort of urbanization that has made many European communities and some American communities more livable.” The 120,000-acre SunRail corridor is home to about 423,000 people. That’s 16% of the region’s 2.6 million residents and about 28% of the region’s employees. Eventually, Marks predicts these figures could approach 50%. He says SunRail will also reduce the need for road-building efforts in outlying suburban areas and reduce traffic congestion in urban areas. READ MORE AT: http://www.globest.com/news/1886_1886/orlando/308717-1.html "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
April 7, 201114 yr U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces $3.3 Million for New York High-Speed Intercity Rail Project -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S.Department of Transportation Office of Public Affairs Washington, D.C. www.dot.gov/affairs/briefing.htm News -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FRA 04-11 Thursday, April 07, 2011 Contact: Rob Kulat Tel.: (202) 493-6024 U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced $3.3 million for the State of New York to add track and rail capacity in the congested Upstate New York area, advancing the state’s high-speed intercity passenger rail program. The project will relieve congestion, leading to greater reliability and faster travel times, and is necessary to achieve the faster speeds for future high-speed rail development. The project is being funded from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. “Adding track in Saratoga Springs and Ballston Spa will reduce congestion and improve reliability,” said Secretary LaHood. “President Obama’s bold vision for high-speed rail will deliver a much-needed boost of jobs, help reinvigorate our manufacturing base, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.” New York State received $3.3 million for two miles of second mainline track used by Amtrak’s Adirondack and Ethan Allen Express services near the Village of Ballston Spa, NY. Both of these services saw an increase in ridership in 2010, and the second mainline track will relieve significant congestion near the Saratoga train station and a major freight classification yard. The existing congestion requires Amtrak trains to wait up to 30 minutes for the track to clear. The New York Department of Transportation is contributing $3.5 million for this project, which has also signed a service outcome agreement with Canadian Pacific Railway. Construction will begin in spring 2011. “Adding rail capacity is an integral part of our high-speed intercity passenger rail program, and it creates win-win situations for passengers and the freight railroads,” said Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph C. Szabo. “Both Amtrak and the freight railroads in Upstate New York will benefit by eliminating this choke point.” “New York is committed to moving forward with high-speed rail and these federal resources are an important step in that direction,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said. “This project will help alleviate the frustrating delays near Ballston Spa that riders of Amtrak’s Vermont and Adirondack-bound trains have endured for too long.” To date, more than $5.3 billion has been obligated to states under the Federal Railroad Administration’s High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program. ####
April 8, 201114 yr New Hampshire Public hearings on rail's future Laconia could be on revitalized freight and passenger route Friday, April 8, 2011 CONCORD — Just where New Hampshire should be headed in the 21st century when and if it brings back the state's once-extensive system of railroads was the subject of two public hearings this week. At Concord's McAuliff Discovery Center on Wednesday and again Thursday night at Littleton's Community Center, the public had a chance to comment after hearing an outline of a proposed state rail plan. Questions of whether to bring rail service back into the Lakes Region also were raised. Read more at: http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110408/GJNEWS02/704089882/-1/CitNEWS
April 11, 201114 yr These are Ohio & Wisconisn's passenger rail dollars being re-allocated..... U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Announces More Than $300 Million for Passenger Rail Projects Across America -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S.Department of Transportation Office of Public Affairs Washington, D.C. www.dot.gov/affairs/briefing.htm News -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FRA 07-11 Friday, April 08, 2011 Contact: Contact: Brie N. Sachse Tel.: (202) 366-4570 U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced more than $300 million in obligated grants that will enable the expansion of high-speed intercity passenger rail corridors from coast-to-coast. Work can now begin on innovative rail projects that will create new manufacturing and construction jobs, spur economic development in corridors and, in the long-term, develop a national transportation network with world-class railways. “We have heard the call of the American people to build the safest, fastest and most efficient ways to move people and goods,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Thanks to the leadership of President Obama, communities across the country are already feeling the economic benefits of rail and today we take another step forward, bringing new jobs to our citizens. Through high-speed rail, we are helping America win the future.” The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has been working collaboratively with states to move grants from “award to obligation,” ensuring high-speed intercity passenger rail projects can get underway and put American people to work. The more than $300 million invested and released to states this week includes: California Department of Transportation – Four projects totaling more than $22 million. A $13 million grant will refurbish 15 locomotives and upgrade engines to reduce emissions. An $8.2 million investment will go for several coach cars on the San Joaquin Corridor and Capitol Corridor. $950,000 will provide for preliminary engineering and environmental work on the Pacific Surfliner to Ortega. And $200,000 will provide for planning of the Pacific Surfliner route from San Diego to Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo. Connecticut – A $40 million investment to upgrade the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield rail corridor will provide for 10 miles of double track to be installed on the Amtrak-owned, New Haven-Springfield corridor. This will help to decrease delays and improve travel time and reliability for both freight and passenger service along the corridor. Maryland/Baltimore Tunnel – For one of the largest choke points in the Northeast Corridor, $60 million will fund a preliminary engineering and environmental analysis to study the replacement and augmentation of the 100-year old B&P Tunnel on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor (NEC). This would seek to eliminate a major bottleneck in performance and reliability for the NEC. Missouri – Three projects totaling $3.8 million. A $500,000 grant to develop Missouri’s State Rail Plan, establishing priorities that enhance passenger and freight rail services. A $1.4 million investment will improve 13 highway-rail at-grade crossings between Sedalia and Kansas City. $1.9 million will provide for preliminary engineering and environmental analysis to design and construct a second main track from Lee’s Summit to Pleasant Hill delivering faster speeds and increased reliability. New Jersey/Portal Bridge – This 100-year-old, bridge is one of the most heavily-traveled bridges in the country. $38.5 million will provide for the final design of the new bridge to alleviate delays to Northeast Corridor passenger service, increasing capacity and improving reliability. Washington – A $145 million investment will fund rail corridor improvements and new equipment for the Cascades route from Vancouver to Blain. This will ultimately provide more frequent and efficient passenger rail service between Portland and Vancouver, B.C. Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority – $600,000 will provide for a study to examine the feasibility of expanding the Downeaster line with increased service frequency, higher speeds, and reduced travel times. The study will also examine expanding the proposed service extension to Brunswick, ME, as well as Auburn, ME. New York – A $3.3 million investment will add track and rail capacity in the congested Upstate New York area for Amtrak’s Adirondack and Ethan Allen Express services near the Village of Ballston Spa. West Virginia –$1 million will create a State rail plan to establish strategies for rail services that benefit the public and businesses, while guiding priorities for the State’s investments in rail. To date, approximately $5.7 billion dollars has been obligated throughout the country for rail projects funded by the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act and annual appropriations. President Obama’s vision is to connect 80 percent of Americans to high-speed rail within the next 25 years. This strategic investment is putting America on track towards that goal, providing rail access to new communities and improving the reliability, speed and frequency of existing lines. A “Buy America” requirement for high-speed rail projects also ensures that U.S. manufacturers and workers will receive the maximum economic benefits from this federal investment. And, in 2009, Secretary LaHood secured a commitment from 30 foreign and domestic rail manufacturers to employ American workers and locate or expand their base of operations in the U.S. if they are selected for high-speed-rail contracts. ####
April 11, 201114 yr Author It's bittersweet to see Ohio's dollars going to happy new homes where they can do some good. I hope those states kick our ass, jobs-wise. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
April 12, 201114 yr Author A staff editorial..... Just the ticket: Pennsylvania is on board to win funds for progress Tuesday, April 12, 2011 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette "The Little Engine That Could" is a venerable children's story that tells how hard work and commitment can conquer even a high mountain. Unfortunately, certain Republican governors have become the Big Engine That Couldn't when it comes to what their governments can do. They don't want a government-mandated universal health care system, for example, and many have joined a suit to block its implementation. Several don't want high-speed rail and have rejected federal funding to lay the groundwork for it. Among those to hook up to this steam engine bound for the past is Florida Gov. Rick Scott. Florida was awarded $2.4 billion for a Tampa-to-Orlando rail project as part of President Barack Obama's high-speed rail initiative last year, but Gov. Scott canceled it in February, on the dubious grounds that the project would have been too costly for state taxpayers going forward. In truth, his decision to look a gift horse in the mouth has cost Florida jobs. READ MORE AT: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11102/1138615-192.stm#ixzz1JJuYuVs0 "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
April 12, 201114 yr California anti-HSR bill dies Tuesday, April 12, 2011 A move seeking to scuttle California’s high speed rail program in the state Assembly was thwarted by pro-rail forces, keeping the Golden State’s HSR efforts in the forefront of U.S. possibilities and offering, perhaps, a sign of “pushback” from advocates of HSR and higher-speed rail (HrSR) stung by recent political setbacks. The California bill to defund HSR, sponsored by Assemblywoman Diane Harkey died in committee. "What are the risks of the project? We don’t even know," said Harkey, referring to the state’s HSR program, currently projected to cost $44 billion for roughly 700 miles of right-of-way, the majority of it grade-separated. "It could be $66 [billion]-to-$100-billion and that’s without the train sets and without the operating expenses." Read more at: http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/california-anti-hsr-bill-dies-3017.html
April 12, 201114 yr It's bittersweet to see Ohio's dollars going to happy new homes where they can do some good. I hope those states kick our ass, jobs-wise. Don't be a champion for failure.
April 12, 201114 yr Author Don't be a champion for failure. Which is why I don't want everyone to fail. I don't even want Ohio to fail. But if others win, I want it to be because they invested smartly for the future. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
April 13, 201114 yr Phase One of Rail Project Will Start in Meriden New Haven to Hartford to Springfield Project may still be a few years down the line, however. By Bob Mayer | Email the author | April 12, 2011 When Gov. Dannel Malloy gave his go-ahead and then asked for a huge chunk of unused federal money from Florida, the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield Rail Project really came to life. The project will be a broad partnership between the state, Amtrak, the Federal Railroad Administration as well as the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont. The goal is to give those passengers working in or living near New Haven, Hartford and Springfield a high speed train that will be equal in speed and quality to any in the country. Read more at: http://meriden.patch.com/articles/phase-one-of-rail-project-will-start-in-meriden
April 20, 201114 yr Author Amtrak Ridership Up In All Three Michigan Lines April 19, 2011 Amtrak's passenger services in Michigan have racked up impressive ridership numbers in the first six months of the fiscal year, with significant growth on all three routes. According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, the strong performance indicates that more passengers are choosing train travel for convenience and good value, especially as gas prices are on the upswing. Ridership on Amtrak's Wolverine service on the Pontiac-Detroit-Chicago corridor from October through March increased more than 16 percent from the same period a year earlier, while the Blue Water Service on the Port Huron-East Lansing-Chicago route saw a 26 percent increase in passengers. Also, there was nearly a seven percent increase in ridership on the Pere Marquette service, going between Grand Rapids and Chicago, along with an almost a 12 percent increase in ticket revenue. READ MORE AT: http://www.wsjm.com/Amtrak-Ridership-Up-In-All-Three-Michigan-Lines/9657492 "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
April 21, 201114 yr Mo. Senate rejects attempt to cut federal money for railroad projects THE ASSOCIATED PRESS First Posted: April 20, 2011 - 6:38 pm JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri senators have rejected an attempt to strip $37 million of railroad improvements from the state budget. The money would go to several projects along the Union Pacific tracks between St. Louis and Kansas City, which also are used by Amtrak passenger trains. Read more at: http://www.dailyjournal.net/view/story/dc3f39406ae542bb95718c4a8c80c3b0/MO-XGR--Missouri-Budget-Railroads/
April 25, 201114 yr Conn. mayor wants to upgrade train rail to Brattleboro By CHRIS GAROFOLO / Reformer Staff Saturday April 23, 2011 BRATTLEBORO -- A Connecticut mayor is seeking support for a proposal to upgrade more than 100 miles of passenger rail between New London, Conn., and southern Vermont. Despite some concerns from the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments, Mayor Martin Olsen of New London is advocating for improvements to 110 miles of the Central Corridor Rail Line to use existing freight tracks for passenger trains into Brattleboro. Olsen told The Day the upgrades will serve as an economic booster for the region and create new tourist stops along the line. Read more at: http://www.reformer.com/localnews/ci_17912585
April 25, 201114 yr Author Conn. mayor wants to upgrade train rail to Brattleboro Love that headline: "train rail"? As opposed to what, a guardrail? A horserail? If the editor needed to fill out the headline, why not use the term "railroad"? "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
April 26, 201114 yr State rail usage is up 95% Written by Bruce Ferrell Monday, 25 April 2011 10:19 (RALEIGH) -- With gas prices staying high, some may be looking at another way to get around. Pat Simmons with the State Rail Division said traffic for passenger rail service is up. Read more at: http://www.ncnn.com/edit-news/6800-state-rail-usage-is-up
May 9, 201114 yr Author California HSR route option reconsidered Friday, May 06, 2011 The California High-Speed Rail Authority Thursday agreed to reconsider an HSR route between Los Angeles and San Francisco roughly paralleling Interstate 5, closer to the Pacific coast than the Central Valley option, still viable, through the state’s interior. CHSRA had planned to begin HSR construction on the “Antelope Valley” alignment, and the inland communities of Gilroy, San Jose, Merced, Fresno, Tulare/Kings, Bakersfield, and Palmdale were deemed eligible by the authority to apply for up to $700,000 in federal stimulus funds and $200,000 in state stimulus funds to help plan for high speed rail stations. Some were displeased with the authority’s decision to reconsider the route. Los Angelese County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich told local media the move “is a step backwards,” and added, “The proposed action would jeopardize years' worth of commitments to a high-speed rail connection for Antelope Valley residents.” Supporters of the coastal option note it is 30 miles shorter than the interior routing, offering shorter travel times, less tunneling, and potential cost savings of up to $1 billion. The 700-mile HSR system is projected to cost $44 billion. READ MORE AT: http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/california-hsr-route-option-reconsidered-3118.html "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 10, 201114 yr Project could trim 15 minutes from Downeaster's Boston run A federal grant will pay for 10.4 miles of double track in Massachusetts. By Ann S. Kim [email protected] Staff Writer PORTLAND — Improvements are in store that could shave 15 minutes from the Amtrak Downeaster run from Portland to Boston, thanks in part to Florida's refusal to take federal high-speed rail money. The federal Department of Transportation awarded $20.8 million to the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority for the Downeaster project, which is designed to alleviate congestion in a high-traffic part of the line in Massachusetts. The changes could bring the Downeaster service closer to a goal of completing the Portland-to-Boston route in less than two hours, said Wayne Davis, president of TrainRiders/Northeast, a rail advocacy group based in Portland. One-way trips between Portland and Boston's North Station now take two hours and 25 minutes to two hours and 30 minutes. Read more at: http://www.pressherald.com/news/project-could-trim-15-minutes-from-downeasters-boston-run_2011-05-10.html
May 10, 201114 yr http://www.freep.com/article/20110509/NEWS05/110509013/Michigan-get-more-than-200M-boost-high-speed-rail-service?odyssey=mod|mostcom Michigan to get more than $200M to boost high-speed rail service Michigan will get $200 million to upgrade rail lines and a share of another $336 million for new high-performance trains and other equipment to build a high-speed rail network between Detroit and Chicago, the Obama administration announced today. The federal government is awarding $2 billion to expand high-speed rail nationwide, money that Florida turned back earlier this year, and Michigan was one of 24 states competing for the funding. The U.S. Department of Transportation said 15 states and Amtrak will receive money for 22 high-speed intercity passenger rail projects that the government said will connect 80% of Americans to high-speed rail in 25 years. “These projects will put thousands of Americans to work, save hundreds of thousands of hours for American travelers every year, and boost U.S. manufacturing by investing hundreds of millions of dollars in next-generation, American-made locomotives and railcars,” Vice President Joe Biden said in a statemen,,,,
May 11, 201114 yr Author Hubman, also see the Amtrak/Federal passenger rail news thread. Lots of other info in there about this, too. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 13, 201114 yr Love the quote from the Chamber official: "I love our situation. And five dollar gas? We're gonna be rocket scientists," he said. [b] Chamber Optimistic About Amtrak Future Posted: May 11, 2011 7:02 PM EDT Reporter: Rachel Schaerr l Videographer: Todd Densmore Lynchburg, VA - Nearly 17,000 Amtrak passengers rode through Lynchburg last month. The Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce expects the increase in ridership will help our area get state funding when federal subsidies run out. Chamber officials say the 40 percent jump in ridership over the last year is proof that can happen. Now it's focused on getting state leaders on board. The president of the Chamber of Commerce, Rex Hammond, says Lynchburg's Amtrak line is being touted as one of the most successful in the nation. Read more at: http://www.wset.com/story/14628963/chamber-optimistic-about-amtrak-future
May 13, 201114 yr Train Travel Picks Up Steam in Kansas Date: May 11, 2011 Kansas Public Radio With airfare and gas prices on the rise, budgeting for a vacation has become increasingly difficult. In response, some Americans are turning to the railroad for a cheaper way to travel. With Amtrak celebrating its 40th anniversary this month, KPR news intern Justine Greve (Greave) takes a look at train travel and its future in Kansas. Listen to the story at: http://www.kansaspublicradio.org/newsstory.php?itemID=28707
May 23, 201114 yr City Councilors Fearful Of Railroad Bridge Collapse Aging Haverhill Bridge To Eventually Be Replaced POSTED: 4:41 pm EDT May 22, 2011 UPDATED: 6:39 pm EDT May 22, 2011 HAVERHILL, Mass. -- A decades old railroad bridge is causing concern in Haverhill. City Councilor William Ryan said the 92-year-old bridge over the Merrimack River is deteriorating and has been repaired several times recently. "You can reach your hand in between the stones that are holding it up and the steel up," Ryan said. Ryan said Haverhill’s mortar, concrete and stone blocks that hold the footings on the bridge have washed away. He’s fearful that the structure will collapse. Read more: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/27983584/detail.html#ixzz1NBbnEub6
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