WASHINGTON — U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced more than $2 billion in high-speed rail awards this morning to speed up trains in the Northeast Corridor, expand service in the Midwest and provide new, state-of-the-art locomotives and rail cars as part of the Administration’s plan to transform travel in America. Missouri was one of the winners in receiving the additional awards, which became available when conservative governors in Florida and Wisconsin refused federal high-speed rail funds. Twenty-four states, the District of Columbia and Amtrak submitted nearly 100 applications. “These projects will put thousands of Americans to work, save hundreds of thousands of hours for American travelers every year, and boost U.S. manufacturing by investing hundreds of millions of dollars in next-generation, American-made locomotives and railcars,” said Vice President Joe Biden. Missouri will share $268.2 million to buy new locomotives and passenger cars for its Kansas City-St. Louis passenger route. Missouri will also receive $13.5 million to advance the design of a new bridge to replace the 1890s-era Merchant’s Bridge Replacement over the Mississippi River on the Chicago to St. Louis corridor. The state will also indirectly benefit by a $186.3 million grant to Illinois to construct upgrades on the Chicago – St. Louis corridor to allow trains to travel at 110 miles per hour for more than 220 miles. This investment will reduce trip times, enhance safety and add more seats on the corridor, increasing the number of people who can conveniently travel by train, LaHood said.
Monday, May 9, 10:30 a.m.
