Join Growing Roster of State and Local Electeds, Business, Environmental, Labor Groups
On the heels of the state’s application for federal stimulus funding, 23 members of California’s Congressional delegation released a letter of support today urging funding to help expedite construction of the only proposed 220 mph high-speed train project in the country.
“When it comes to constructing high-speed rail, California is far ahead of any other state or region. Californians last year voted for more than $9 billion in bond funding toward California’s high-speed rail and became the only state in the nation to have passed a high-speed rail measure. The state is ready to move on segments that can be operational, produce revenue and lay the groundwork for completion of the entire system. California is, therefore, uniquely positioned to receive and quickly utilize stimulus funds. This application for federal funds has the support of the voters, the federal and state legislators, local governments, and the business, labor and environmental communities. We, therefore, urge you to fully fund California’s high-speed rail applications,” said the letter.
Governor Schwarzenegger submitted California’s application for more than $4.7 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding for engineering, design and construction of the state’s high-speed train system on October 2.
“We are further along in the planning than any other state and our application would result in nearly a $10 billion investment in our economy and jobs when state, local and private matching funds are added,” said Curt Pringle, High-Speed Rail Authority Board Chairman and Anaheim Mayor.
“Having the support of our elected leaders is vital to a project of this magnitude for both stimulus funding and for establishing longer-term appropriations to build high-speed train networks in California and throughout the country,” said Pringle.
Find summary of California’s ARRA application and broadcast-quality video simulations of California's high-speed train at: http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/
Contacts:
California High-Speed Rail Authority
Kris Deutschman,
916-444-8801