Republican Wave Could Spell Trouble for High-Speed Rail Projects from Coast to Coast

[marmar]

from the Transport Politic blog:




Intent on demonstrating their resistance to virtually all of President Obama’s policy objectives, Republicans nationwide have staked out an anti-rail position that they hope will stand out as the fiscally reasonable choice when they present themselves in this fall’s elections. Though the current Democratic administration will remain in power at least until early 2013, shifting control of Congress and potential power changes at the state level could dramatically reduce the ability of the Department of Transportation to advance its plans for the development of intercity rail.

Current polling suggests that Republicans are likely to do well in November across the country. The GOP has been leading the charge against high-speed rail since the program was first announced in February 2009.



Most problematic are the governorships, up for grabs in 37 of 50 states this year. Though the majority of recent spending on new intercity rail projects has originated at the federal government, the U.S. DOT is now requiring that state applicants agree to fund at least 20% of construction costs in order to receive a federal contribution. States will also be responsible for most operations expenses.

If Republican-led state governments are unwilling to commit to spending their own dollars on these projects, they simply will not be built. Since intercity rail projects are long-term investments, even if the federal government has already agreed to sponsor some investments, the takeover of a governor’s mansion by an anti-rail Republican could mean putting a full-stop in infrastructure development. As New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s announcement last week of a work stoppage on the ARC tunnel project shows, this could affect even projects that have already entered the construction phase. ..........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.thetransportpolitic.com/2010/09/22/republican-wave-could-spell-trouble-for-high-speed-rail-projects-from-coast-to-coast/

[KingFlorez]

1. It would be a great disservice if these projects didn't go through

California is one place that is in great need of high speed rail and I'm sure many other states are too. This election is important because Republicans are bent on stopping progress.

[JackintheGreen]

2. Rail travel in the US in a barely animated corpse

And it all comes down to the myth of American Individualism. Traveling in a car with other 40-80 other people? When I could have the FREEDOM to drive where and when I want without being beholden to some commie fucker who relies on the gubmint to get him (not her! She should be at home making my dinner) to and from work? Gross.

Rail died a long time ago. Amtrak is run worse than Myanmar. If the repubs don't win this year they'll kill it the next time around. How long have they been talking about high speed rail in the Pacific NW. How's that been going for you folks out there?

The US would have to reestablish a culture of rail travel, and that would take generations. Mine won't buy into it. Neither will my daughter's. And not for lack of trying. I'm not saying it isn't a good idea/concept/thing-in-general, but it would take a radical reimagining of travel by Americans. When was the last time radically reimagined anything for the good of their fellows? America the Magnanimous we are not.

[HughBeaumont]

3. Kasich: "Dumbest idea I've ever heard"

http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2010/aug/16/5/odot-kasich-has-no-influence-3c-rail-plans-ar-195118/

Too bad you have no say in it, you Lehman-lapdog bitch.