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

For Immediate Release: April 16, 2009

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire and Gov. Ted Kulongoski 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.

�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.�

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.

�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.�

�Washington�s long-standing investments in Amtrak Cascades passenger rail service has provided citizens with a convenient and environmentally friendly travel alternative,� said Paula Hammond, Washington Transportation Secretary. �Additionally, we have seen economic growth from this service and created and preserved jobs.�

WSDOT State Rail and Marine Program Director Scott Witt testified in Washington DC today to highlight the critical Pacific Northwest corridor, as well as make recommendations, as the administration develops a strategic plan for high-speed rail. Recommendations 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.

�Through this funding, we have a great opportunity to advance a proven corridor with a long and mid-range plan to enhance service, create jobs,� said Witt. �This corridor will provide options in congested areas such as the Interstate 5 area while addressing climate change and environmental issues.�

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.