VIRGINIA SUBMITS NEXT ROUND OF HIGH SPEED RAIL PROJECTS

~ $1.8 billion in ARRA funds would raise passenger rail speed to 90 MPH along busy I-95 corridor ~

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
Office of the Governor

Timothy M. Kaine                     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
   Governor                             October 1, 2009

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

 RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Virginia has submitted its second application for funding from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) to develop the I-95 Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor.  The application for approximately $1.8 billion would fund 19 projects along the Petersburg to Washington, D.C. section of the Corridor and raise passenger rail speed to up to 90 MPH by 2017.

 “With this second round of high speed rail applications, we’re setting the stage for Virginia to achieve an entirely new standard of intercity passenger rail service along I-95,” Governor Kaine said. “Even in the midst of the worst economy in a generation, The Commonwealth is committed to rebalancing transportation options for Virginians, creating jobs, and sustaining our environment.”

 With the completion of the rail projects submitted today, passengers in downtown Richmond will be able to make the trip to Washington, D.C. in less than two hours. The 19 projects will include the construction of 112 track miles, four major bridges, 97 new crossovers, and re-alignment of 82 track miles of curves. Construction on the projects is projected to create nearly 12,200 direct jobs.

 The Commonwealth worked in conjunction with partners CSX, Amtrak, and Virginia Railway Express to complete the application.  Virginia’s Congressional delegation, local and regional governments, and business leaders have also offered strong support for the Commonwealth’s rail and transit efforts. More than 20 organizations along the I-95 Corridor have submitted letters and resolutions of support. 

  “Our experience has been that, when both sides are committed to working together, the resulting joint efforts can clearly demonstrate that freight and intercity passenger rail service can safely co-exist and prosper,” said Jay Westbrook, Assistant Vice President for CSX Passenger and Commuter Operations.   

 “We’re confident our efforts will demonstrate that federal investment in high speed rail will drive economic growth and transportation solutions,” said 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.  In accordance with federal requirements, the next application round will include the Hampton Roads component of Virginia’s High Speed Rail Program.

 In August, Governor Kaine announced Virginia’s first high speed rail application for the Arkendale to Powell’s Creek project along the I-95 High Speed Rail Corridor.  The $74.8 million project will build 11.4 miles of third track in Stafford and Prince William Counties.  

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