(Washington, DC) - Congresswoman Corrine Brown made the following statement:

"Certainly, there is a lot of excitement and federal dollars that will be targeted for high speed and commuter rail transportation systems in the very near future.  I believe the new system needs to start with two or three very successful, high quality lines, with high ridership, regardless of their location, and once their success becomes evident, other rail lines will follow inevitably in other locations throughout the country.  The Department of Transportation has announced that it had received 278 pre-applications for high-speed and intercity passenger rail funding, totaling $102 billion; a very clear indication that there is significant support for High Speed Rail in Congress and throughout the country.

"And once we have the first two to three lines up and running, the benefits of high speed and commuter rail investment will become evident both to the American people and to policymakers in Washington.  These initial rail lines would then serve as a successful model (much like the TGV in France, the AVE in Sprain, and the Trans rapid Maglev system in Germany and in China), and would inspire the funding and construction of future projects.  For me, as the Chair of the Rail subcommittee, the eventual goal is to have commuter and high speed rail lines connecting nationwide to serve as an alternative to our current systems of transportation.

"Obviously, being a representative from Florida, I want more than anything for our state to be first in line to receive funding for a high speed rail line.  However, I want to be certain that the line chosen for our state is one that is sure to be successful, which to me signifies having high ridership.

"If the goal of nationwide high speed and commuter rail is realized, the system will not only serve as a tremendous benefit to our nation's transportation needs, but will also be a superb asset towards getting thousands of people back to work by creating quality jobs in our economy's manufacturing sector."

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