Congressional meetings to outline high-speed agenda

Republican Leader of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, U.S. Rep. John L. Mica (R-FL), will hold briefings Wednesday and Thursday with public and private sector stakeholders to review pending U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) plans to issue an RFP for national high-speed passenger rail service.

In October, legislation Mica helped to author was signed into law that allows, for the first time, private sector participation in the development, financing, operation and maintenance of high-speed rail service in the U.S.

By law, the U.S. DOT is required to solicit project proposals by December 15, 2008.

Participants in this week’s two meetings include representatives from financial investment firms; manufacturers of trains, railroad equipment and systems; federal, state and local governments; private rail operators; labor groups; and Amtrak.