High-speed rail
What Boondoggle? Private Sector Wants in on HSR Action
President Obama's proposed high speed rail initiative would have the US embarking on the biggest infrastructure project since the interstate highway system. And while the significance of this effort -- and the need for more sustainable transportation options -- may be lost on a few cranky governors, it is not going unnoticed by the private sector. Indeed, while governors in Florida, Wisconsin, and Ohio have made hay about high-speed rail being a "boondoggle" that will cost their states millions, private investors at home and abroad are lining up to cash in.
March 11, 2011
“Mad Men” Stars Have a New Product to Pitch: High-Speed Rail
Vincent Kartheiser, who plays Pete Campbell on the hit series "Mad Men", and Rich Sommer, who plays Harry Crane, have teamed up with U.S. PIRG to make a video about high-speed rail. In it, Campbell suggests an ad campaign for trains, which Crane finds ridiculous -- trains make so much sense; why would you need to sell them? It ends with a call to action.
March 9, 2011
Who Wants Florida’s $2.4 Billion in High-Speed Rail Funds?
Gov. Rick Scott got to say no, yet again, to Florida's dreams of high-speed rail.
March 4, 2011
Gov. Rick Scott Says He’s Not Reconsidering Florida HSR Position After All
Update, 5:00 PM Friday: Rick Scott's office just issued a statement with the subject line "Rick Scott: My position remains the same on High Speed Rail." Rather than saying he asked for more time to consider his options, he refers to LaHood's decision to extend the deadline and says:
February 25, 2011
Trainwreck: Rick Scott Keeps On Killing Florida HSR
Somehow, every time a governor makes a really bad decision that denies appropriate transportation options to his constituents, he gets chance after chance to take it back. And somehow, they never do.
February 24, 2011
House to Vote on Deep Cuts to Essential Transportation Programs
The House is still voting on amendment after amendment to the continuing resolution that will fund the federal government for the rest of FY2011. Just a quick recap as we go into the weekend. The “base bill” of HR 1 – not the amendments – would do the following:
February 18, 2011
Florida Gov. Rick Scott Chooses Politics Over Constituents, Rejects HSR Funds
Florida Governor Rick Scott announced today he would forfeit $2 billion in federal grants to build a high-speed rail line between Orlando and Tampa.
February 16, 2011
Obama Admin’s Bold Transpo Plan Leaves Funding Question to Congress
The president’s six-year transportation plan [PDF], included as part of the administration’s FY2012 budget proposal, weighs in at a hefty $556 billion and lays out several policy reforms that, if enacted, could help the nation transition to a more multi-modal, less oil-dependent transportation system.
February 14, 2011
GOP Moves Ahead With Deep Cuts to Transportation, Housing
The House Appropriations Committee voted last night to move ahead with deep spending cuts, totaling $32 billion, to the remainder of the FY2011 budget. It’s still not the $100 billion the GOP wanted to cut, and some committee Republicans voted no, saying the cuts were still too small.
February 9, 2011
Key House Republicans Aren’t Buying Administration HSR Proposal
Vice President Joe Biden’s announcement of a $53 billion infusion for high-speed rail has fallen like a lead balloon on the ears of some key GOP leaders. House Transportation Committee Chair John L. Mica (R-FL) and Railroads Subcommittee Chair Bill Shuster (R-PA) expressed “extreme reservations” about the plan.
February 8, 2011