HSR sparks tension between feds and states

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood told newly elected Governors in Wisconsin and Ohio that funding intended for building high-speed rail cannot be transferred to other projects, and will be rescinded if they do not participate in the project.

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November 11, 2010

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reuters reports that Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood notified Ohio Governor-elect John Kasich and Wisconsin Governor-elect Scott Walker in a letter that federal money allocated to building high-speed passenger rail lines in their states cannot be used to pay for other infrastructure projects. LaHood added that the two states would lose funding if they choose not to participate in the rail project.

On Wednesday, Walker replied to LaHood with a letter that questioned investing in high-speed rail when Wisconsin needs money for four new highway projects and $1 billion worth of repairs on a widely used interchange. Additionally, Kasich said he wants $400 million in high-speed rail money to go to road construction and freight train lines. For the full story, click here.

Topics:high-speed rail Rail

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