WASHINGTON — U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood 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.
