States, Amtrak vie for Florida's forfeited rail funds

[phantom power]

WASHINGTON – Twenty-four states, the District of Columbia and Amtrak are vying for $2.4 billion in federal aid that became available when Florida's governor canceled a high-speed rail project in his state, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Wednesday.

...

Among the requests was one from Amtrak for $1.3 billion to enhance train service in the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington. The proposal includes a $720 million project to replace the more than 100-year-old movable Portal Bridge over the Hackensack River in New Jersey with a new, high-level fixed bridge.

Amtrak's application also includes $188 million for preliminary engineering and environmental analysis for two new tunnels under the Hudson River into Manhattan and $50 million for similar work for the development of a new Penn Station South facility to accommodate more tracks and platforms in downtown New York.

http://travel.usatoday.com/news/story/2011/04/States-Amtrak-vie-for-Floridas-forfeited-rail-funds/45836012/1

[peace frog]

1. OY. Thanks for the reminder

@#$!!11&^*$% Rick Scott!

[ProgressiveProfessor]

2. Why does anyone think they will be rellocated?

I really do not see that happening.

[phantom power]

3. As in, the money will disappear into the budget negotiations?

[ProgressiveProfessor]

4. Pretty much...

The funding will undoubtedly expire before it can be moved to the states. It is a large enough amount that it exceeds the limit for internal reprograming. A new appropriation will be required.

All of the above is government budget speak for: It will be absorbed back into the budget to pay for other things.