Western cities want to apply for rail money too

An alliance of transportation authorities in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah want local governments in their states to be able to apply for federal money for high-speed passenger railways in the same way groups in Florida are discussing.

After Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) turned down $2.4 billion in high-speed rail money designated for his state, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood re-opened the application process and said cities and counties could apply directly.

Regional rail authorities would have to apply for the funds in tandem with Amtrak or another existing transportation agency, but they would not have to go through state governments.

That would be great, the Western High Speed Rail Alliance said in a letter to the Senate and House transportation committees, as long as the opportunity is not just extended to cities in Florida. 

“Recently, some governors have rejected federal high speed rail funds," the organization said in a letter. “It is our understanding that discussions were previously underway to perhaps allow a consortium of political subdivisions to accept funds intended for high speed rail awarded to the state of Florida. Such an action — applied nationwide — would be wholly consistent with our future goals."

Arizona, Nevada and California have received about $1 million for feasibility studies from the Federal Railroad Administration. The Western High Speed Rail Alliance wants to see seven railways connecting southwestern U.S. cities. The proposed routes include Reno, Nev., to Sacramento, Calif.; Reno to Salt Lake City; Denver to Salt Lake City; Phoenix to Los Angeles; Phoenix to Las Vegas; Palmdale, Calif., to Victorville, Calif.; and Salt Lake City to Las Vegas. 

Applications for the rejected Florida rail money are being accepted until April 4.