The president had sought $1 billion for the construction of a high-speed system and other intercity rail lines. That was on top of $8 billion included in the economic stimulus.
However, the House Appropriations Committee has decided to make it $4 billion. One panel member says the earlier money has generated grant requests for high-speed rail projects totaling $70 billion.
The overall bill totals $123 billion in transportation and housing programs. That includes a $1.5 billion subsidy for Amtrak and $150 million for Washington, D.C.'s Metro. The capital's commuter rail system has a long-overdue maintenance needs and is recovering from a crash last month that killed nine people.
Gainesville Amtrak Depot. The White House high-speed rail initiative includes a corridor that would include Gwinnett, Gainesville, Cornelia, and Toccoa in northeast Georgia.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2009/7/221889