Rep. Larsen Applauds $590 Million in Recovery Act Funding for
High-Speed Rail Improvements in Washington
For Immediate Release
Contact: Emily Halnon
(202) 225-2605
January 28, 2010
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) praised today’s announcement from the U.S. Department of Transportation that Washington state will be receiving $590 million in Recovery Act funds to invest in high-speed rail improvements.
“Creating a more efficient passenger rail system is a win, win, win for Washington state,” said Rep. Larsen. “It will create jobs, improve commuting for hard-working Washingtonians, and help get our state’s economy moving again.”
Larsen, a member of the House Transportation Committee, worked closely with the Washington state Congressional delegation and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to help secure these funds. The $590 million will be used to upgrade 437 miles of railroad tracks with the intent of improving rail travel times between Blaine and Portland and to reach the long-term goal of using high-speed rail to reduce car and air travel. The project will create as many as 6,500 jobs in construction and engineering.
"The projects Washington has put together are strong," Larsen said. "Our state is committed to investing in Amtrak. We have the population to support high-speed rail. And we have congestion problems to justify the investment."
Currently, Amtrak operates 5 daily trains between Seattle and Portland. Since 1999, Washington state has invested $137 million in capital rail improvements. The Recovery Act funding will help reduce delays, and provide more reliable and frequent service for the region.
“This Recovery Act funding will spur an economic boon for Northwest Washington,” said Rep. Larsen. “Local projects from Everett to Blaine are going to create jobs for our neighbors and help commuters and commerce travel faster from point to point.”
###