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GOP's Rejected Rail Funds Will Benefit New York Latte-Swillers
By
Christopher Robbins
Published May 9, 2011
Modified May 9, 2011
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published May 9, 2011
Modified May 9, 2011
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Thanks to the trio of Republican governors Rick Scott, John Kasich, and Scott Walker, who all rejected millions in high-speed rail funds from the federal government, the northeast rail corridor will receive $800 million for improvements. The Washington Post's Dr. Gridlock reports that much of the work will be done to increase train speed (up to 160 mph!) between New York and Washington, D.C., with repairs being made to switches around Penn Station and equipment updates "along a busy segment of track between Morrisville, Pa., and New Brunswick, N.J." Unfortunately, it is government work, so the upgrades won't be completed until 2017.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood's blog touts that all high-speed rail work being done across the country is under "a strict 'Buy America' requirement" so materials purchased will bolster the economy. This is all dandy, but forget the Acela: we just wish they could lay more track for the steerage cars to keep fares down.
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high speed rail
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Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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