National rail vision rolled out today by the President and Vice President

[Transport_Oklahoma]

http://www.c-span.org/Watch/watch.aspx?ProgramId=HP-A-41630

http://www.fra.dot.gov/us/press-releases/226

This really is historic.

Yes the South Central Corridor with Tulsa as the northern anchor is mentioned. 

President Obama, Vice President Biden, Secretary LaHood Call for U.S. High Speed Passenger Trains

Contact: Jill Zuckman
Telephone: (202) 366-4570

Thursday, April 16, 2009 (Washington, DC) President Obama, Vice President Biden, Secretary LaHood Call for U.S. High Speed Passenger Trains

Vision for a New Era in Rail Entails Clean, Energy-Efficient Option for Travelers
President Barack Obama, along with Vice President Biden and Secretary LaHood, announced a new U.S. push today to transform travel in America, creating high-speed rail lines from city to city, reducing dependence on cars and planes and spurring economic development.

The President released a strategic plan outlining his vision for high speed rail in America. The plan identifies $8 billion provided in the ARRA and $1 billion a year for five years requested in the federal budget as a down payment to jump-start a potential world-class passenger rail system and sets the direction of transportation policy for the future. The strategic plan will be followed by detailed guidance for state and local applicants. By late summer, the Federal Railroad Administration will begin awarding the first round of grants.

Additional funding for long-term planning and development is expected from legislation authorizing federal surface transportation programs.

The report formalizes the identification of ten high-speed rail corridors as potential recipients of federal funding. Those lines are: California, Pacific Northwest, South Central, Gulf Coast, Chicago Hub Network, Florida, Southeast, Keystone, Empire and Northern New England. Also, opportunities exist for the Northeast Corridor from Washington to Boston to compete for funds to improve the nation's only existing high-speed rail service.

With a boost from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Obama administration launched a competitive process to drive local communities to develop their high-speed rail potential. The President, Vice President and Secretary of Transportation are urging states and local communities to put together plans for a network of 100 mile to 600 mile corridors, which will compete for the federal dollars. The merit-driven process will result in federal grants as soon as late summer 2009.


-- (more) --
DOT 51-09
Thursday, April 16, 2009


President Obama's vision for high-speed rail mirrors that of President Eisenhower, the father of the Interstate highway system, which revolutionized the way Americans traveled. Now, high-speed rail has the potential to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, lower harmful carbon emissions, foster new economic development and give travelers more choices when it comes to moving around the country.

"My high-speed rail proposal will lead to innovations that change the way we travel in America. We must start developing clean, energy-efficient transportation that will define our regions for centuries to come," said President Obama. "A major new high-speed rail line will generate many thousands of construction jobs over several years, as well as permanent jobs for rail employees and increased economic activity in the destinations these trains serve. High-speed rail is long-overdue, and this plan lets American travelers know that they are not doomed to a future of long lines at the airports or jammed cars on the highways."

"Today, we see clearly how Recovery Act funds and the Department of Transportation are building the platform for a brighter economic future - they're creating jobs and making life better for communities everywhere," said Vice President Biden. "Everyone knows railways are the best way to connect communities to each other, and as a daily rail commuter for over 35 years, this announcement is near and dear to my heart. Investing in a high-speed rail system will lower our dependence on foreign oil and the bill for a tank of gas; loosen the congestion suffocating our highways and skyways; and significantly reduce the damage we do to our planet."

"President Obama's vision of robust, high-speed rail service offers Americans the kind of travel options that throughout our history have contributed to economic growth and enhanced quality of life," said Secretary LaHood. "We simply can't build the economy of the future on the transportation networks of the past."

The plan identifies two types of projects for funding. One would create new corridors for world-class high-speed rail like the kind found in Europe and Japan. Another would involve making train service along existing rail lines incrementally faster.

Under the plan, high-speed rail development will advance along three funding tracks:

• Individual Projects. Providing grants to complete individual projects that are "ready to go" with completed environmental and preliminary engineering work – with an emphasis on near term job creation. Eligible projects include acquisition, construction of or improvements to infrastructure, facilities and equipment.

• Corridor programs. Developing entire phases or geographic sections of high-speed rail corridors that have completed corridor plans, environmental documentation and have a prioritized list of projects to help meet the corridor objectives.

• Planning. Entering into cooperative agreements for planning activities (including development of corridor plans and State Rail Plans) using non-American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) appropriations funds. This third approach is intended to help establish a structured mechanism and funding stream for future corridor development activities.


###

A Vision for High-Speed Rail in America
Highlights of Strategic Plan
April 16, 2009

This plan outlines the President's vision to build a network of high-speed rail corridors across America. It is the first high-speed rail requirement under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 0f 2009 (ARRA).

o VISION—Proposal is to transform the nation's transportation system, by rebuilding existing rail infrastructure while launching new high-speed passenger rail services in 100-600 mile corridors that connect U.S. communities. Similar to how interstate highways and U.S. aviation system were developed in 20th century: partnership between public sector and private industry, including strong Federal leadership that provided a national vision.

o OBAMA ADMINISTRATION IS MOVING AHEAD OF SCHEDULE TO STAND UP THIS NEW PROGRAM—Strategic rail plan issued just 58 days after passage of ARRA, before the Congressional deadline. Application procedures expected to be published also before Congressional deadline—this spring. First round grant awards expected to be announced before the end of this summer, up to three years ahead of the schedule required by law.

o COMMITMENT TO HIGH-SPEED RAIL—Unprecedented $8 billion investment in high-speed rail: $8 billion in ARRA considered a down payment on a national network of corridors, along with $1 billion per year for at least 5 years (proposed in FY 2010 budget). Completion of vision will require long-term commitment from both the Federal Government and States.

o BENEFITS OF HIGH-SPEED RAIL—Promotes economic expansion (including new manufacturing jobs), creates new choices for travelers in addition to flying or driving, reduces national dependence on oil, and fosters urban and rural community development.

o HIGH-SPEED RAIL IS GREEN— Today's intercity passenger rail service consumes one-third less energy per passenger-mile than cars. It is estimated that if we built high-speed rail lines on all federally-designated corridors (on map), it could result in an annual reduction of 6 billion pounds of CO2.

o TRANSPARENT APPROACH—projects selected for funding based on merit/benefits of investment.

• First round of applications will focus on projects that can be completed quickly and yield measurable, near-term job creation and other public benefits.

• Next round to include proposals for comprehensive high-speed programs covering entire corridors or sections of corridors.

• Additional funds will be available for planning to help jump-start corridors not yet ready for construction.

o Ten major corridors are being identified for potential high-speed rail projects:

• California Corridor (Bay Area, Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Diego)
• Pacific Northwest Corridor (Eugene, Portland, Tacoma, Seattle, Vancouver BC)
• South Central Corridor (Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Little Rock)
• Gulf Coast Corridor (Houston, New Orleans, , Mobile, Birmingham, Atlanta)
• Chicago Hub Network (Chicago, Milwaukee, Twin Cities, St. Louis, Kansas City, Detroit, Toledo, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Louisville,)
• Florida Corridor( (Orlando, Tampa, Miami)
• Southeast Corridor ((Washington, Richmond, Raleigh, Charlotte, Atlanta, Macon, Columbia, , Savannah, Jacksonville)
• Keystone Corridor ((Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh)
• Empire Corridor ((New York City, Albany, Buffalo)
• Northern New England Corridor ((Boston, Montreal, Portland, Springfield, New Haven, Albany)


Also, opportunities exist for the Northeast Corridor (Washington, Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, Newark, New York City, New Haven, Providence, Boston) to compete for funds for improvements to the nation's only existing high-speed rail service, and for establishment and upgrades to passenger rail services in other parts of the country.

o OUTREACH—Administration will take a collaborative approach to formulate program; will work with stakeholders to gather feedback on strategic plan and help shape the program.

[TURobY]

Sweet. I just wiped a bead of sweat from my brow. 

[TheArtist]

Time for me to be mr contrarian again lol

That 13 billion or so wont go far, California alone has 40 billion worth of projects they will be pushing to fund. Remember, all the projects around the country will be competing for that funding. The projects and areas that can make the best arguments for the funding will likely get it. We are not going to get close to 1 billion during this decade, period.

However, we can and should be pushing to get things started here. If we havent already....First fund the environmental impact studies "and it will take time to do those studies" for you cant get funding to start construction before you have those in hand.  Also get funding to do the detailed engineering studies and get those underway. (cant build something until you know exactly what your going to build and that determination will take time) Have a list of prioritized projects, what needs to be done first, etc. And we may also be able to begin acquisition and improvements in certain areas, like downtown for instance. There are bridges around there that will have to be rebuilt or improved, which will need design studies, negotiations with the current users/owners of the lines, etc. We have a LOT we need to be doing, should have been starting a long time ago, before we can actually get construction underway. In the meantime, other areas are going to be pushing for all of that above small pie they can get.   

I still think its likely that OKC will do the Newton line since its so cheap and can be ready to go in a short amount of time. Tulsas line is a couple of decades long type project, IF we really push for it. We can and should get funding to get the process started.

[nathanm]

Tulsas line is a couple of decades long type project, IF we really push for it. We can and should get funding to get the process started.

A line between Tulsa and OKC could be done three years from today, if we actually cared as a state to get it done. 1 year for the EIS, 2 years for construction. The Fayetteville to Muskogee line was constructed in a little over a year, as was the line from Monett, MO to Fort Smith, and that was with a tunnel project that didn't go well.

Of course, that depends on there being the will to fully fund the project from the outset.

[dsjeffries]

Time for me to be mr contrarian again lol

That 13 billion or so wont go far, California alone has 40 billion worth of projects they will be pushing to fund. Remember, all the projects around the country will be competing for that funding. The projects and areas that can make the best arguments for the funding will likely get it. We are not going to get close to 1 billion during this decade, period.

However, we can and should be pushing to get things started here. If we havent already....First fund the environmental impact studies "and it will take time to do those studies" for you cant get funding to start construction before you have those in hand.  Also get funding to do the detailed engineering studies and get those underway. (cant build something until you know exactly what your going to build and that determination will take time) Have a list of prioritized projects, what needs to be done first, etc. And we may also be able to begin acquisition and improvements in certain areas, like downtown for instance. There are bridges around there that will have to be rebuilt or improved, which will need design studies, negotiations with the current users/owners of the lines, etc. We have a LOT we need to be doing, should have been starting a long time ago, before we can actually get construction underway. In the meantime, other areas are going to be pushing for all of that above small pie they can get.   

I still think its likely that OKC will do the Newton line since its so cheap and can be ready to go in a short amount of time. Tulsas line is a couple of decades long type project, IF we really push for it. We can and should get funding to get the process started.

Artist, as it has been emphasized in the texts of all of the press releases and videos from today, this is just a down-payment. $8 billion from ARRA and an additional $5 billion over the next five years is to be viewed as a way to jump-start rail projects--it's not intended to be a panacea.

ODOT has commissioned study after study--surely, you're not proposing that they do additional studies. We have the data, we have the experts' opinions, cost estimates, etc.  For anything else to happen other than studies, we need funding, and this is a great opportunity to fight for our share of it.

[TheArtist]

Artist, as it has been emphasized in the texts of all of the press releases and videos from today, this is just a down-payment. $8 billion from ARRA and an additional $5 billion over the next five years is to be viewed as a way to jump-start rail projects--it's not intended to be a panacea.

ODOT has commissioned study after study--surely, you're not proposing that they do additional studies. We have the data, we have the experts' opinions, cost estimates, etc.  For anything else to happen other than studies, we need funding, and this is a great opportunity to fight for our share of it.

Fight for our share of 13 bill? Our share aint gonna be much. We still have to convince the state to chip in too. The shovel ready, and or higher ridership potential corridors will get the most funding first. Now if there is going to be much more funding next year and the year after, etc. We may have a decent chance. 

I remember when the fed people where here during the What About Rail event. Though the focus then was for commuter rail within the city. They talked about the application process and the way they weigh priorities. There are lots of projects across the nation and you have to prove that yours takes precedence over the others. That yours is viable, you have funding, worked out all the details, etc. They look at the different proposals around the country, if they are ready and the fed only has so many dollars, they then prioritize by figuring out where those dollars will be used most cost effectively, as in which area will have the most ridership per dollar and which area is funding the most themselves, etc. They dont play games, they look at the numbers.  California has just passed a large bond issue, they have their part of the money ready to go, the projects are ready to go, they are going to get a large chunk. They could get half of the 8 billion easily.

[Transport_Oklahoma]

Listen to the KOSU-FM state news during National Public Radio's "All Things
Considered" this Tuesday afternoon between 3 and 6 p.m.

They are supposed to do a segment (usually repeated at least once) on how the
President's rail vision affects Oklahoma.

91.7 Stillwater/Oklahoma City :: 107.5 Bartlesville/Tulsa :: 101.9 Okmulgee

Also available at www.kosu.org

Also the Tulsa World seemed to endorse the Obama rail vision:

http://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/article.aspx?subjectid=61&articleid=20090420_61_A11_Buildi366229&archive=yes

[Renaissance]

I'm mostly curious whether the plans, generally speaking, will involve ROW upgrades or completely new tracks. 

I do love the idea of getting from downtown Tulsa to downtown OKC in under 60 minutes.  Maybe in 10 years it will be commonplace to take the train down the pike for a Thunder game.  Make it fast enough and it could be an evening trip.

[TheArtist]

 As I noted in the other thread. The Obama admin seems to want to go with high speed rail and not just series after series of piecemeal, little bit better, upgrading. Which over the long term causes you to actually end up spending more. To do high speed rail, most areas will have to build all new lines.

[mjchamplin]

I do love the idea of getting from downtown Tulsa to downtown OKC in under 60 minutes.  Maybe in 10 years it will be commonplace to take the train down the pike for a Thunder game.  Make it fast enough and it could be an evening trip.

That's one thing I've never really understood. There's such a disconnect and rivalry between Tulsa and OKC, and I think it's a shame. One of the things I enjoyed about living in Stillwater is that when I felt like going to "the city" I could go either way, Tulsa or OKC. And I did, and I enjoyed both. And if it were practical, I'd continue to do so.

[Transport_Oklahoma]

Daily Oklahoman editorial on the Obama rail plan

http://newsok.com/line-item-rail-money-may-not-make-much-of-a-dent/article/3363141

From the sound of it I don't think they heard his speech or read any of the US DOT's releases.    

They are using talking points from the critics.

The President addressed this.  It is a SIGNIFICANT down-payment on a long term commitment by the states and federal government. 

[Chicken Little]

hey to, the jokelahoman ed board used the 2 billion number again and accredited it 2 odot.  That aint right, is it?  Phone sry

[Transport_Oklahoma]

hey to, the jokelahoman ed board used the 2 billion number again and accredited it 2 odot.  That aint right, is it?  Phone sry

For true high speed rail (50-55 min downtown to downtown) on mostly new dedicated right-of-way next to the Turner Turnpike that is probably close.  That is what the state's consultant told lawmakers last month.

Again compare that to the I 40 project in OKC and I 44 in Tulsa and it doesn't seem out of line.

It is possible that officials instead pursue rehabilitation of the existing rail line with some curve modifications.  The consultant thought a 2 hour run time was possible at a cost of $250 million.  That would not preclude building the new line later.  Parts of the existing rail lines would be needed for the high speed approach to OKC and TUL anyway.

A non-high speed line would be eligible for Section 301 funds but not Section 501.

[Transport_Oklahoma]

http://www.oklongrangeplan.com/

The state is now implementing the public input process as required in ISTEA/TEA-LU/SAFETEA.

Want more travel options than just fly/drive?

Please participate.

[sgrizzle]

Consider our hat thrown in:
http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11&articleid=20090710_54_0_WSIGOh409233