California Congressional Leaders Put Support Behind State`s Bid For High-Speed Train Federal Stimulus Funding

Join Growing Roster of State and Local Electeds, Business, Environmental, Labor
Groups
WASHINGTON--(Business Wire)--
On the heels of the state`s application for federal stimulus funding, 23 members
of California`s Congressional delegation released a letter of support today
urging funding to help expedite construction of the only proposed 220 mph
high-speed train project in the country.

"When it comes to constructing high-speed rail, California is far ahead of any
other state or region. Californians last year voted for more than $9 billion in
bond funding toward California`s high-speed rail and became the only state in
the nation to have passed a high-speed rail measure. The state is ready to move
on segments that can be operational, produce revenue and lay the groundwork for
completion of the entire system. California is, therefore, uniquely positioned
to receive and quickly utilize stimulus funds. This application for federal
funds has the support of the voters, the federal and state legislators, local
governments, and the business, labor and environmental communities. We,
therefore, urge you to fully fund California`s high-speed rail applications,"
said the letter.

Governor Schwarzenegger submitted California`s application for more than $4.7
billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding for engineering,
design and construction of the state`s high-speed train system on October 2.

"We are further along in the planning than any other state and our application
would result in nearly a $10 billion investment in our economy and jobs when
state, local and private matching funds are added," said Curt Pringle,
High-Speed Rail Authority Board Chairman and Anaheim Mayor.

"Having the support of our elected leaders is vital to a project of this
magnitude for both stimulus funding and for establishing longer-term
appropriations to build high-speed train networks in California and throughout
the country," said Pringle.

Find summary of California`s ARRA application and broadcast-quality video
simulations of California's high-speed train at:
http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/

California High-Speed Rail Authority
Kris Deutschman, 916-444-8801

Copyright Business Wire 2009