COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
Office of the Governor

Timothy M. Kaine                                         FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
     Governor                                                          August 24, 2009

Contact:                 Gordon Hickey
Phone:                   (804) 225-4260
Cell Phone:           (804) 291-8977
Internet:                www.governor.virginia.gov

VIRGINIA SUBMITS FIRST HIGH SPEED RAIL PROJECT APPLICATION

~ Project adds 11.4 miles of new track in congested I-95 corridor ~

RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Virginia has submitted its first high speed rail application for the Arkendale to Powell’s Creek project along the I-95 High Speed Rail Corridor.  The project, with a construction cost of $74.8 million, will build 11.4 miles of third track in Stafford and Prince William Counties.  

“The Federal Railroad Administration set very specific criteria for states to compete for this first round of historic federal investment in high speed rail,” Governor Kaine said.  “Virginia has submitted a strong project application and we are ready to begin construction as soon the federal funding is awarded. This project represents our on-going commitment to delivering transportation choices, creating jobs, and sustaining our environment even when funding is limited.”

The Commonwealth worked in conjunction with partners CSX, Amtrak, and Virginia Railway Express to complete the project application. This project will improve on-time travel reliability, reduce freight and passenger rail conflicts, and help Virginia achieve 90 mph intercity passenger rail service.

 “Virginia serves as a national model for public-private partnerships in both our freight and passenger rail programs.  Our Congressional delegation, the General Assembly, the business community, and local governments all support our efforts to bring high speed rail to Virginia.” added Secretary of Transportation Pierce Homer. 

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided $8 billion in competitive funding for high speed rail corridors around the country.  Today’s first application deadline was for “ready to go” projects that were fully supported by the freight railroad who own the track (CSX) and the service provider (Amtrak).  In early October, Virginia will compete for the second round of federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for a program of projects that extend from Washington, D.C. to Petersburg, Virginia as well as into Hampton Roads.

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