California To Receive $2.5 Billion For High Speed Rail System

By Antonia Aguilar-University Of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service

$2.25 Billion will be allocated to the state of California for the construction of an electronically powered high speed passenger rail system, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced Thursday. The majority of funds will come from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“This marks the beginning of an ambitious new era for high speed and intercity passenger rail service in California and other key corridors across America,” said LaHood.

The development of a new rail way system will generate thousands of jobs and help boost the economy, according to LaHood.

“It is estimated that for every billion dollars spent, 20,000 jobs are generated,” said Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), who accompanied LaHood Thursday along with fellow California Senator Barbara Boxer.

“Any history that’s written about our state starts with the environment of our state,” said Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA).