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I was originally going to post this under an earlier thread, but was afraid Zephyr might miss it if buried there.
There are two articles here, one from Friday and then one from today on the final version of the bill. Your tax dollars at work - and those of your children, grandchildren, etc.
Seems the Badger Bus line to Madison, mentioned in another topic, may have some 'competition'.
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Trains News Wire $8 billion in high speed funds hitch ride on stimulus bill
Published: Friday, February 13, 2009 WASHINGTON - The stimulus bill that Congress is expected to soon give final approval to includes $8 billion for high-speed rail projects, the Associated Press has reported. Money is also available for rail transit projects.
Reports indicate President Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., pushed to make sure the high-speed rail money was included in the bill's final version. The number quadruples the high speed total from the last version of the bill, which passed the Senate Tuesday. The final bill will be a reconciliation between House and Senate versions.
Several high speed measures are proposed across the country, awaiting only funding. Conjecture so far centers on proposals such as a Los Angeles-Las Vegas link and a Milwaukee-Madison, Wis., high-speed extension of Amtrak's Hiawatha Service.
The stimulus bill also includes $46 billion for transportation projects overall. Most of that total will likely go toward highway and bridge projects, but mass transit is eligible as well. Some lawmakers had pushed for still more transportation funds.
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Passenger rail scores last-minute win in stimulus bill
Published: Monday, February 16, 2009
WASHINGTON - The government's economic package will provide a total of $9.3 billion for passenger rail projects, substantially more than either separate House or Senate bills designated before they were modified by conferees. The final Senate vote on Friday tallied 60, the minimum needed to pass, after Republican Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins of Maine and Pennsylvania's Arlen Specter joined 57 Democrats. Earlier in the day, the House passed the legislation 246-183 with no Republicans voting for it.
The package breaks out like this: $8 billion for high speed rail corridor and intercity passenger capital improvements, "giving priority to projects that support development of intercity high speed rail service." Significantly, the term "high speed rail" is not defined, and it leaves the door open for states to tap this for projects already in planning, though a state match is not required. Last year, the FRA allocated $30 million to intercity passenger rail projects. Under the plan, Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and his staff have discretion in awarding the grants, and must submit a plan to the appropriations committees within 60 days. No projects have been designated in advance.
$1.3 billion to Amtrak--including $450 million for security and safety improvements. No more than 60 percent of the remaining $850 million can be spent on Northeast Corridor capital improvements. Priority is to be given to repair and rehabilitation of cars, locomotives, and infrastructure and for capital projects that expand capacity. Funds are to be awarded within 30 days and projects must be completed within two years. The increased funding for passenger rail despite an overall slim-downed bill came in part from previous Senate amendments that had proposed $5.5 billion for surface transportation projects at the discretion of the transportation secretary and an additional $2 billion for high speed rail. Meanwhile, highways got $27.5 billion, transit is to receive $8.4 billion, and aviation $1.3 billion.
The balance appeared to be tipped by President Obama himself, who earlier in the week at a speech in Ft. Myers, Fla., touted high speed rail spending. His wishes clearly made a difference in the final legislation. - Bob Johnston
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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I think a reality check is in order regarding just what $8B will buy. This New York Times article does a good job on that point:
quote:Originally posted by palmland: I was originally going to post this under an earlier thread, but was afraid Zephyr might miss it if buried there.
Thank you so very much for sharing.
But no money for developing a blimp transportation system? Count von Zeppelin, where are you when we need you?
And where's the stagecoach route restoration in this bill?
Can anyone think of infrastructure programs more important for the future of this country?
I swear, we're being governed by certifiable idiots. Stimulus bill, my ***.
Mr. Toy Member # 311
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The rail portion will provide a good kick-start for rail projects nationwide. Looks like we've found a federal contribution to California's HSR program.
Bear in mind that this stimulus package is really just a repackaging of a campaign promise to rebuild the nation's infrastructure. Regardless of its stated purpose, it is long overdue.
As for funding Zeppelin development, that is a German company unlikely to be funded through the US Congress. However, Mr. Zephyr, at least one modern Zeppelin NT is flying regularly above US soil. For about $500 you can fly over San Francisco Bay with Airship Ventures. This Zeppelin (N704LZ) has made three trips to Monterey since December, flying right over my house.
TwinStarRocket Member # 2142
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Nothing for bagpipes and ponies? Throw the rascals out!
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