High-Speed Passenger Rail

In January 2010, the Obama Administration announced $8 billion in high-speed and passenger rail stimulus grants for 78 different projects around the country. Unfortunately, the Administration’s grant selection process ignored provisions in law, written by Rep. Mica, intended to allow private sector participation in establishing U.S. high-speed service.

The United States lacks a single high-speed rail system comparable to those of Europe and Asia. The Administration’s plan virtually ignores the Northeast Corridor, where high-speed rail in this country makes the most sense, and focuses on too many projects that will not provide the country with true high-speed passenger rail.

Ranking Member Mica will continue to press the Administration for transparency and to release information on its evaluation and decision-making process in awarding high-speed rail grants.

News:

• September 27, 2010: Northeast Rail Commission Urged to Get High-Speed Rail on Track
• May 13, 2010: Mica Joins in Request for GAO Review of Transparency in Stimulus Grants Selection
• February 24, 2010: Mica Requests Information on High-Speed Rail Stimulus Grants Process
• February 4, 2010: Mica Organizes Campaign to Bring High-Speed Rail to the Northeast Corridor
• February 2, 2010: High-Speed Rail Stuck at the Station
• January 28, 2010: High-Speed Rail Plan Lets Amtrak Hijack Congested Northeast Corridor
• January 28, 2010: Mica, Shuster Response to High-Speed Rail Announcement
• October 14, 2009: High-Speed Rail Investments Must Yield Real Results
• April 16, 2009: Mica Commends President’s Support for High-Speed Rail
• February 5, 2009: 80 and Counting Respond to Call for U.S. High-Speed Rail
• December 15, 2008: U.S. High-Speed Rail Effort Launched
• November 19, 2008: Meetings to Outline Agenda for New High-Speed Rail Initiative
• October 16, 2008: President Signs Historic High-Speed Rail Measure
• October 2, 2008: Mica: President to Sign High-Speed Rail Measure
• October 1, 2008: Mica Hails Senate High-Speed Rail Vote as "Historic"
• September 24, 2008: House Votes to Launch Historic High-Speed Rail Initiative and Enhance Rail Safety
• June 11, 2008: Historic Effort to Develop High-Speed Rail in the U.S. Passes House of Representatives
• May 22, 2008: Committee Approves Historic High-Speed Rail Initiative
• May 13, 2008: Mica Presents Historic High-Speed Rail Proposal to Finance Experts
• May 8, 2008: Amtrak Bill Provides Historic Opportunity to Bring High-Speed Rail to U.S.
• March 14, 2008: Bipartisan High-Speed Rail Initiative Introduced in U.S. House

More information regarding the need for true high-speed rail in the United States:

• Mica op-ed: We Must Develop High-Speed Rails for NE Corridor
• Mica op-ed: U.S. Mustn’t Squander High-Speed Rail Funds
• Mica op-ed: High-Speed Rail Can Help Tackle Aviation Congestion
• November 20 & 21, 2008 High-Speed Rail Roundtables hosted by Rep. Mica
• March 20, 2007 High-Speed Rail Rountable hosted by Rep. Mica

Information on the 2008 law that includes the Mica proposal to invite private sector participation and help bring true high-speed passenger rail service to the United States:

• Link to the Federal Register notice of DOT’s request of interest in developing high-speed rail, and link to the list of respondents to DOT's request. 
• Link to Public Law 110-432, the legislation that includes Rep. Mica's high-speed rail proposal.
• Link to the language in P.L. 110-432 specifically pertaining to high-speed rail.