FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2009
CONTACT: Rebecca Alper
Program Associate
New Jersey Public Interest Research Group
Cell: 617-840-5999
Office: 609-394-8155 x313
ralper@njpirg.org
NJPIRG Applauds Increased Investment in High-Speed Rail
Statement by Rebecca Alper, Program Associate, on the Consolidated Appropriation Committee’s Increased Allocation for High-Speed Rail
“Last week, citizens at over a dozen events around the country stood with local officials to call for greater investment in high-speed rail. We’re glad to see that Congress has responded.
“On Tuesday the Consolidated Appropriations Committee bill included $2.5 billion for high-speed rail for fiscal year 2010, more than doubling President Barack Obama’s original recommendation of $1 billion and the Senate’s original $1.2 billion figure, but still short of the $4 billion recommended by the House.
“While the figure is still short of the full $4 billion recommended by the House, it is a significant step in the right direction. It sends a clear message to the country that high-speed rail is on the move.
“The decision will create jobs in the short-term by spurring high-speed rail investment and development near future stations. Over the longer term, the decision adds momentum to forge a 21st century transportation system with a robust network of high-speed rail that will connect metropolitan areas, boost national productivity, and reduce our dependence on oil.
“It’s clear now that the Economic Recovery bill’s initial down payment for high-speed rail is being followed up by sustained commitment from Congress.”
Citizens groups and transportation advocates around the country had rallied together to support the higher house figure on a national website and at local events.
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NJPIRG, New Jersey Public Research Interest Group, is a non-profit, non-partisan public interest advocacy organization.
