Thirty-One States Share $8 Billion for High-Speed Rail

On January 28, President Obama announced the recipients of eight billion dollars in stimulus funding for high-speed rail projects in 31 states. Grants to states, ranging from $1 million to $2.3 billion were provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The President referred to these funds as an important down payment, but additional funds will be needed to complete the largest projects. For example, California, the recipient of the largest grant, will need an additional $40.3 billion to complete the proposed San Francisco to Los Angeles high-speed rail. Nonetheless, these funds represent the largest federal investment ever in high-speed rail. “The President’s bold vision for high-speed rail is a game changer,” stated Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “I have no doubt that building the next generation of rail service is this country will help change our society for the better.”

The high speed rail funds were distributed to the following projects: