The major nationwide high-speed rail network is gaining support in Congress.
A growing number of US House members are endorsing the American High-Speed Rail Act, a $205 billion project to construct nationwide high-speed rail connectivity.
The bill was first introduced by Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) in 2021
Moulton and Suzan DelBene (D-WA) reintroduced the bill which now has 25 co-sponsors.
It has been welcomed by the U.S. High-Speed Rail Coalition
“The growing support is great news,” said Andy Kunz, CEO of U.S. High Speed Rail.
“The U.S. High Speed Rail Coalition will work to ensure this bill is front and center when Congress considers the next surface transportation package.”
The bill would fund up to $41 billion per year for five years for planning and construction of high-speed rail projects.
The bill includes incentives for private investment, and labor standards for workers in the high-speed rail industry,
It also calls for benefits to local communities with new low and moderate-income housing and commercial development.
In December, President Biden awarded $6.1 billion in federal grants for high-speed rail projects, the largest investment yet.
These include $3 billion for the Brightline West project, which will connect Las Vegas and Southern California in time for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.
The Biden Administration also invested $3.07 billion to help complete the first 171-mile segment of California’s high-speed rail project linking Los Angeles to San Francisco.
This will feature the world’s first solar-powered bullet train.
The government has also outlined planning funding for high-speed rail corridors across Texas, Georgia; and West Coast projects.
The American High-Speed Rail Act has been endorsed by the Rail Passengers Association, American Train Dispatchers Association and several unions.
