California Receives $2 Billion Grant for High-Speed Rail

[Nathanael]

This is great news for California, and about time. To have the system connect all the way from Sacramento to San Diego is really fantastic. High-speed rail is also a good way to cut transportation sector GHG emissions.




Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger recently announced that California is receiving more than $2.3 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment (ARRA) funding for high-speed intercity rail.

With the united support of government, labor, business and environmental leaders, California submitted a funding proposal for the first truly high-speed train in the nation. The state’s plans for high-speed rail are also further along than any other state.

When the full system is built, it will stretch close to 800 miles--from Sacramento to San Diego. The building of the train system is estimated to create up to 600,000 jobs throughout the state. California has received more ARRA funds than any other state.

Link: http://www.energyboom.com/transportation/california-receives-grant-high-speed-rail

[katmondoo]

1. The Train from Florida to New Orleans and west is still out

Will this ever be fixed.

[Nathanael]

2. From Hurricane Katrina?

[Gregorian]

3. I wonder what the future return is on this.

It's great for immediate job creation. But in terms of financial return, what does it ultimately do for us? I don't see it, which is why I ask. Not because I'm opposed. Is it that important to create immediate jobs? My guess is it is. But if this were spent on battery research (above and beyond what we are already spending on that), or photovoltaics, would there be a real return on the investment?

I will never ride this train. And I don't know anyone who will. It seems like a small fraction of the population will utilize it.

I honestly do not know. I have no argument. Just wondering if anyone does.

[Nathanael]

4. Great Questions

Which lead me to say once again I would need more details about the train. How many stops are there; can it work for business commuters; what speeds will the train travel at; what are the fees.

The high-speed rail seems to offer some very attractive GHG emissions reductions as well as creating jobs.

[Gregorian]

5. I see. Good point on the emissions.

So it would be an emissions feasibility study that would determine if the creation of the line actually saves on carbon dioxide.