America is excited about the Obama Administration's goal to develop a national high-speed rail network.
But, more than just moving passengers and goods more efficiently, high-speed rail will also be an engine for job growth in the US.
Today, as reported in Bloomberg, Reuters, and the AP, I am meeting with more than 100 business leaders, labor groups and rail experts. And I intend to make sure everyone in that room knows that American jobs are an absolute priority for this Administration as we develop the new rail system.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act set aside $8 billion to jumpstart high-speed rail development, and we hope that money gets spent right here in the US where it can create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
We have already received commitments from over 30 companies in the rail business to create or expand U.S. rail
manufacturing should they be awarded contracts for portions of this money. These companies know high-speed rail, and they could become partners to the state or regions awarded rail grants.
Let's be clear about this: we want to see that $8 billion do its job-creation work in America. We want to create good jobs right here and reinvigorate US manufacturing.
When are people going to realize that the US is falling far behind the rest of the world in areas such as high speed rails? This is essential in our position as world leaders and as a tool for job growth.
Posted by: wedding favors | March 07, 2011 at 01:05 AM
I think the verdict is still out as to whether or not the stimulus money is going to be enough to kickstart things again. As you mentioned Ray, U.S. Manufacturing has a long way to go and we really do need to find a way to create a large amount of jobs, pronto.
Posted by: P90X Reviews | March 30, 2011 at 12:08 AM
Given the ever increasing price of oil and the fact peak oil may well be upon us it is surely high time that we try and extract the best use from what reserves we have left.
Mile for mile rail beats air every time and with proper investment in a high speed network journey times need not be affected that much.
We need a political will to take this forward.
Posted by: Kathy and Ken Blackpool | April 02, 2011 at 01:30 PM
I agree with Paul. It works so well In Europe. If your in London you can be to Paris in just two hours by Train and then to Germany and wherever. You can actually travel most of Europe by just getting a 15 day rail pass. I really wish it would happen in the US. Anyways that's just my viewpoint.
Posted by: p90x reviews | April 13, 2011 at 05:51 AM
One more Obama have great plan. Thanks god for him. I am very proud on our president!
Posted by: Tom Jackson | May 11, 2011 at 06:17 AM
So this was a year and a half ago...how is the high speed rail project coming along?
Posted by: Beachbody Coach | July 05, 2011 at 12:27 PM
I think the speed rail is a great idea... i mean... if I could just jump on a train and in acouple hours be in new york or atlanta... i would for sure. Plus i was thinking... you could just build it right above the rail what is already there... because the land its self would be of great expense... you know.
Posted by: wedding favors | February 15, 2012 at 12:24 AM