Federal funding is required to advance this initiative from planning into construction, and the following pre-application was submitted:

• Richmond/Hampton Roads: $330-$844 million in rail infrastructure improvements to support the introduction of high speed rail service between Richmond and Hampton Roads; proposed for Round 2 funding under Track 2. This project is proposed for Round 2 since a federal Environmental Impact Statement is currently underway to select the high speed route, and should be completed prior to Round 2 grant awards. The cost is expressed in a range since the exact route has not yet been determined.

The federal rail stimulus program is organized into Tracks based on the types of projects to be submitted. Track 1 includes “ready to go” projects, Track 2 includes corridor development programs, Track 3 includes planning initiatives and Track 4 includes “ready to go” projects for which applicants offer at least 50 percent non-federal funding.

The Commonwealth has demonstrated its commitment to advancing rail initiatives through a dedicated state funding source, the Rail Enhancement Fund. In addition, since 2007 a portion of transportation bonds has been dedicated to rail initiatives. Virginia has also successfully negotiated complex agreements with Amtrak and freight railroads to initiate new service, in addition to funding new passenger rail operations.

Transportation options such as passenger rail provide congestion relief and economic benefits by encouraging tourism, supporting jobs and promoting local investment. According to the Virginia Statewide Rail Plan, the total wages of Amtrak employees in Virginia amount to more than $50 million per year, and Amtrak spends approximately $50 million per year for goods and services in Virginia.

The timeline for grant awards includes at least two rounds, with Round 1 in fall 2009 and Round 2 in spring 2010. States were requested to submit pre-applications for all projects no later than July 10, 2009, even if projects will be submitted as part of later rounds of grant awards. Complete details of the program funding criteria, timeline and project selection process are available online at http://www.fra.dot.gov/us/content/2153.

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