Lack of federal support stalling high-speed rail projects

In summary

Between 1949 and 2017, the federal government invested just $10 billion in high-speed rail with $4 billion of that dedicated to the California project, compared to investments of $777 billion in aviation and over $2 trillion in highways. The federal government cannot expect transformative results with partial funding. We have to go a lot.

Guest comment written by

Ray LaHood

Ray LaHood, a Republican from Illinois, was the US transportation secretary from 2009-2013. He represented Illinois’ 18th Congressional District from 1995-2009.

Intensifying climate change, worsening traffic congestion and volatile gas prices have affected us all, and now it’s clearer than ever that our nation deserves a world-class high-speed rail network powered by carbon-free energy. To compete globally, decarbonise the transport sector and achieve long-term energy security, we urgently need to get serious about high-speed rail.

During my tenure as secretary of transportation, one of President Obama’s visions was to develop a high-speed rail program, and we included $8 billion for high-speed rail initiatives in the stimulus bill. The Obama administration was especially proud to help launch California’s rail program, advanced under the visionary leadership of former governor Jerry Brown, with a $4 billion investment.

Opponents of California’s high-speed rail program continue to jeer from the sidelines as the project reports new cost increases. But the real obstacle to progress is the long-term lack of federal support for high-speed rail.

In recent decades, America invested trillions to maintain and expand highways and air travel, while European and Asian countries invested heavily in high-speed trains. Between 1949 and 2017, the federal government invested just $10 billion in high-speed rail with $4 billion of that dedicated to the California project, compared to investments of $777 billion in aviation and over $2 trillion in highways.

Meanwhile, since 2004, China has invested over $1.4 trillion to build a 25,000-mile high-speed rail network and is pouring billions more into high-speed rail projects around the world.

Fortunately, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, which includes $66 billion in funding for passenger rail, is the best chance yet to start reaching the rest of the world. More than a decade after the Obama administration made that initial investment in California and the Northeast Corridor, it’s time for the federal government to step up and provide much more funding — the resources needed to put two or three high-speed rail lines into service. that can demonstrate this transformative technology to the American people.

Columnist Dan Walters unpacks the happenings in California each week.

Although new federal funding for high-speed rail has not been available for more than a decade, high-speed rail projects have steadily advanced despite the difficult circumstances. Private companies, namely Texas Central and Brightline, have stepped in to take the lead in developing bullet trains in Texas and the Southwest. Meanwhile, the state of California has borne 85% of its project costs, compared to only 15% covered by the federal government. Compare that to the Interstate Highway Projects, where the federal government covers 90% and has done so in every state across America for decades.

An $8 billion infusion of funding would help California complete a 171-mile operating line in the state’s Central Valley while spreading the burden a bit more — 65% to California and 35% to the federal government. Another $3.75 billion would allow Brightline to raise enough private capital to complete a $10 billion, 218-mile high-speed line connecting Las Vegas and Southern California.

For President Biden, a lifelong supporter – and user – of passenger rail, the robust investment in California’s high-speed rail and the Brightline West project would form an important part of his legacy. These two projects will eventually connect, carrying tens of millions of passengers each year and revolutionizing mobility between Nevada, Southern California and Northern California.

In addition to being remembered for modernizing the Northeast Corridor, the President may be remembered for laying the foundation for a West Coast super-megaregion linked by modern high-speed rail. Fully funding these key high-speed rail projects and modernizing the Northeast Corridor is how we ignite our nation’s second great rail revolution — a goal outlined by Biden on the campaign trail.

As we’ve learned over the years, the federal government cannot expect transformative results with partial funding for large infrastructure projects like high-speed rail. To launch America’s 21st century rail revolution, we have to go a long way.

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