WHSRA Statement Regarding President Obama's Awarding of $8 Billion in Funding for High-Speed Rail

Washington, D.C. (January 28, 2010) – Statement by Jacob Snow, Chairman of the Western High Speed Rail Alliance, in response to President Obama's awarding of $8 billion in funding for high-speed rail:

"This is a significant start for the future of mobility in the United States. President Obama and his administration are to be commended for recognizing both the necessity and productivity of high-speed rail.

"It is the hope of the Western High Speed Rail Alliance that this is the first of many funding opportunities for high-speed rail. In fact, we hope that both the President and Congress will look to support a national high-speed rail system with a considerable focus on the Intermountain West.

"In order for the United States to be globally competitive in a 21st century economy, high-speed rail is a must for our nation to remain economically strong."