In a groundbreaking announcement, the US Department of Transportation's Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has allocated a staggering $8.2 billion to propel 10 transformative passenger rail projects across the nation. Simultaneously, the FRA introduces corridor planning initiatives set to impact regions nationwide, signifying a remarkable step forward in the development of America's intercity passenger rail network.
This unprecedented investment follows closely on the heels of last month's $16.4 billion commitment to 25 projects of national significance along the nation's busiest rail corridor. With this latest announcement, the Biden-Harris Administration has now pledged nearly $30 billion to fortify and enhance the country's rail system.
The Federal State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (Fed-State National) Program will spearhead two high-speed rail corridors, channeling funds into the enhancement of existing rail corridors to facilitate expanded service and improved performance. Among the notable initiatives are the delivery of high-speed rail service in California's Central Valley, the establishment of a brand-new high-speed rail corridor connecting Las Vegas, Nevada, and southern California, and significant upgrades to existing rail corridors linking Northern Virginia and the Southeast with the Northeast Corridor.
Additional projects include the expansion and frequency increase of the Pennsylvania Keystone Corridor, the extension of the Piedmont Corridor in North Carolina, investments in Chicago Union Station, and service improvements in Maine, Montana, and Alaska.
Concurrently, the FRA's Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) Program reveals 69 corridor selections across 44 states. This initiative, made possible by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to guide future passenger rail expansion by upgrading existing routes, introducing or extending service on new routes, and advancing high-speed rail projects.
Examples of Corridor ID selections feature plans for high-speed rail service in the Cascadia High-Speed Rail Corridor, a new connection between Dallas and Houston, expanded Midwest Chicago hub corridors, and numerous other projects spanning the nation. The program establishes a pipeline of intercity passenger rail projects poised for swift implementation and future investment.
This monumental investment underscores the commitment of the US DOT and the FRA to revolutionize and rejuvenate the nation's rail infrastructure, promoting efficiency, accessibility, and connectivity for the benefit of communities and travelers nationwide.
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