California High Speed Rail Receives Federal Support

January 28, 2010

California High Speed Rail Receives Federal Support Washington, D.C. – Today, California Democratic Congressional Delegation (CDCD) members issued the following statements in response to Obama’s Administration’s announcement that the federal government has allocated $2.25 billion from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for high speed rail design and construction in California. All 34 CDCD members voted for ARRA, while no California Republican members supported the bill.

“I’m heartened by the Obama Administration’s announcement that California will finally be receiving federal support for its high speed rail project,” noted CDCD Chair Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose). “California is uniquely situated to receive and quickly utilize these Recovery Act funds. Last year, California’s voters passed a $9 billion bond initiative to fund construction of the state’s high speed rail system, making it the only state to have passed a high-speed rail measure. We now stand ready to move beyond the drawing board, and these federal funds will help put Californians to work building the infrastructure of the future.”

“This is such great news for our state and the San Joaquin Valley,” said Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno). “This is also a high point in my legislative career as I have worked on high-speed rail development in California for the last twenty years, including authoring the bond which passed in the November 2008 election, and have been a leader in Congress on high-speed rail issues since I was elected in 2004. The proposed high-speed rail system in California is going to be a big economic boost to the Valley and is going to revolutionize the way Californians travel. Investments in new ways of travel right now, such as high-speed rail, rail is the key to our transportation future. I am confident this investment will pay off for our state in just a few years.”

"This project will create good-paying jobs for tens of thousands of Californians, and it will boost our economy for generations to come,” noted Rep. George Miller (D-Martinez).

"One of the best ways to rebuild our economy and put hardworking people back to work is by making smart investments in our infrastructure," said Rep. Sanchez (CA-47). "By pumping over $2.2 billion into California's high-speed rail system, the president is sending a strong signal that clean energy matters while creating hundreds, if not thousands, of new jobs. I am particularly pleased that this funding will support high speed rail projects in my district in Fullerton and Anaheim."

“At a time when good economic news is hard to come by, this announcement is exactly what California needs,” said Congressman Adam Schiff (D-Pasadena). “These funds will help create thousands of well-paying jobs, strengthen our state’s transportation infrastructure, and improve our air quality. California has always been at the forefront of innovation and with these funds we will continue to lead the way in building the next generation of efficient mass transit.”

“I am glad to see these funds being directed back to California,” said Congressman Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced). “This effort will reduce both traffic and air pollution, while providing valuable jobs. I will continue to do all I can to support this effort.”

“This is great news, specifically that the Capitol Corridor will be receiving $29 million for passenger rail improvements,” said Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-05). “This includes $6 million for the new passenger platform for the soon to be relocated downtown tracks and funding to improve the capacity of the tracks between downtown and Davis.”

The California Democratic Congressional Delegation consists of 34 Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives from California. This group outnumbers all other state House delegations - Republicans and Democrats combined.