Will stimulus funds put rail on the fast track?

Some observers say cost is just one factor working against high-speed trains

February 25, 2009|Nicole C. Wong, Globe Staff

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It's too early to tell what effect the stimulus provision will have on the Northeast corridor since the rail funding will be doled out through a competitive process by which Amtrak and other high-speed rail authorities must submit proposals. It's likely the nation's other 10 federally designated high-speed corridors will vie for funds as well, including the California High-Speed Rail Authority. In November, California voters approved $9 billion in bond funding to help construct an 800-mile network for trains running up to 220 miles per hour connecting Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

But Kerry hopes some of the money will go toward improving the existing Acela route with new rights of way to straighten curves, avoid populated areas, and get the train traveling 150 miles per hour.

However, Amtrak spokesman Clifford Cole said it's too early in the process to have a proposal in place. "That's far from being anything we can talk about right now."

Globe staff writer Robert Weisman contributed to this report. Nicole C. Wong can be reached at nwong@globe.com.