[Comm-Council] FW: NEWS RELEASE: Gov. Kulongoski and Gov. Gregoire Applaud Obama Commitment to High Speed Rail

[HOKLIN Lonn * DO PA]

Lonn Hoklin

Public Affairs Manager

Oregon Department of Administrative Services

503.378.2627

503.428.2169 (cell)

________________________________

From: GOVERNORS Press [mailto:governors.press at state.or.us] 
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 9:40 AM
Subject: NEWS RELEASE: Gov. Kulongoski and Gov. Gregoire Applaud Obama
Commitment to High Speed Rail

 

  

 

 

 


For Release:    Immediate                                        Media
Contact: 

Date:                April 16, 2009
Gov. Gregoire contact: 360-902-4132

 
Gov. Kulongoski contact: 503-378-6169 or 

 
503-378-5040

 


 



Gov. Kulongoski, Gov. Gregoire applaud Obama administration on high
speed rail federal funding 

Joint letter outlines plans to benefit NW train corridor

 

SALEM - Gov. Ted Kulongoski and Gov. Chris Gregoire today noted their
appreciation to the Obama Administration for making $8 billion available
nationally for high-speed and intercity rail investments through the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). By late summer, the
Federal Railroad Administration will begin awarding the first round of
grants.

 

"To be competitive in a 21st Century economy, we need a balanced
transportation system that allows us to move people, goods and commerce
quickly and efficiently - and that reduces the number of cars on our
roads," said Governor Ted Kulongoski. "I'm pleased to partner with
Governor Gregoire to advance the vision for high speed rail in the
Pacific Northwest." 

 

This federal funding commitment is in addition to the Obama
Administration's budget proposal for $1 billion annually for FY 2010
through FY 2014 for high-speed rail development.

 

"Today Gov. Kulongoski and I sent the Obama administration a letter
applauding their bold rail vision and supporting critical infrastructure
investments that will improve mobility, create and preserve jobs, and
benefit air quality across our country," said Gregoire. "Our states,
along with British Columbia, have a committed partnership with BNSF and
Amtrak. Together, we welcome federal ARRA funds - and the jobs that
we'll create with those funds - to help advance our service and improve
our infrastructure."

 

In the letter the governors encouraged the administration to develop a
strategic plan for high-speed rail. Recommendations for such a plan
include:

 

*                    Expand and improve existing successful high-speed
rail service;

 

*                    Demonstrate substantial public benefits, including
advancing environmental climate change goals, energy savings and
congestion reduction, particularly in areas adjacent to Interstate
highway systems to provide travel options along with job creation;

 

*                    Reward the efforts of States that have demonstrated
prior support for a high-speed rail programs on a State, regional and
local level with a track record of positive growth in terms of service
and ridership;

 

*                    Build on community support for high-speed rail
service and expansion; and,

 

*                    Complete program-level ready to implement and
construct projects.

 

In 1999, Washington, Oregon and British Columbia formed a partnership
for passenger rail service - the Amtrak Cascades service - the region's
signature high-speed rail corridor service.  This is international
corridor serves Washington and Oregon, as well as the city of Vancouver,
British Columbia, Canada.  In 2008, ridership reached nearly 775,000
passengers, resulting in an 82% growth over the 10 year period from
1998. Benefits to the public and Washington state include increased
transit options, congestion relief, environmental benefits, energy
savings, and job creation.

 

For a copy of the governors' letter visit:  
http://governor.oregon.gov/Gov/docs/HighSpeedRail_20090415.pdf

 

 

- 30 -

 

 

 

 

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