Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, called on Ray LaHood, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, to give Washington state an opportunity to receive additional funding for high-speed rail projects. The Administration announced that it plans to reallocate high-speed rail funds that were rejected by other states.

“Communities in my district can immediately start using this high-speed rail funding to create much-needed local jobs,” said Rep. Larsen. “There are high-speed rail projects in Everett, Blaine and Bellingham that are ready-to-go and will help commuters and commerce travel more efficiently throughout the region.”

“Ridership in Washington state is strong and continues to grow,” said Rep. Larsen “Washington state is well-positioned to use these funds to build projects that will boost our local economy and put people to work.”

The text of the letter follows:

November 17, 2010

The Honorable Ray LaHood
Secretary of Transportation
U.S. Department of Transportation

Dear Secretary LaHood:

I write regarding the Administration’s plans to reallocate high-speed rail funds rejected by other states.  My home state of Washington is well-positioned to use these funds on ready-to-go projects that will create jobs.  I encourage you to give Washington state strong consideration for any returned high-speed rail funds.

There is strong public support for high-speed rail in Washington state.  The Pacific Northwest Rail Corridor has experienced record-breaking ridership this year.  Amtrak Cascades ridership is up 13% this year compared to last year.  The second train to Vancouver, B.C., which began in August 2009 and will continue at least through October 2011, was a major factor in the growing popularity of Amtrak Cascades.  The state of Washington is committed to investing in the corridor: Washington state ranks second in the nation in the amount of direct state subsidy that supports Amtrak service.  Washington state has invested $137 million in capital rail improvements since 1999 to improve infrastructure, safety and stations. 

Earlier this year, the Federal Rail Administration (FRA) recognized Washington state’s strong commitment to high-speed rail when they awarded the Pacific Northwest Rail Corridor $590 million in Recovery Act funds.  Projects funded by these grants will help grow the Amtrak Cascades service and improve on-time performance and reliability, with the long-term goal of increasing the number of daily roundtrips between Seattle and Portland. 

Washington state is well positioned to use any returned high-speed rail funds.  The state has 14 projects valued at $533.5 million which were submitted to and vetted by FRA in their original high-speed rail application that were not funded.  Three of these projects are located in my district and could create much-needed jobs in our local communities.  They include the Blaine-Swift Customs Facility Siding ($5.1 million), Bellingham Main Line Relocation ($45.1 million) and Everett Curve Realignment ($78.3 million). 

I urge you to give Washington state strong consideration for any returned funds and stand ready to work with you to reprogram these funds.  Thank you for your attention to my request.

Sincerely,



Rick Larsen
Member of Congress

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