Culpeper’s Republican congressman agrees with the other party in saying the state should get federal funds to invest in high-speed rail in Virginia.
Minority Whip Eric Cantor, R-Richmond, met with Karen Rae, deputy administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, and U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, a Richmond Democrat, via video conference Thursday to inform interested parties how to apply for a federal grant for a high-speed rail line along the Richmond-D.C. corridor.
President Barack Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act includes “a significant down payment” toward high-speed rail in America, said Scott, adding that the project would alleviate traffic, create jobs and spur economic development.
Obama’s plan is for a new network of rail spanning 100- to 600-mile corridors, connecting communities across the country.
Rae said federal funds for high-speed rail would be awarded based on merit to projects that show a strong return on investment, presumably in terms of job creation.
Cantor encouraged the state, localities and feds to join efforts in ensuring Virginia is included in the countrywide initiative.
“Many of us got together a month ago to demonstrate our commitment to shed partisan politics, shed regional differences and focus on one thing and this is economic development and job growth in our area,” Cantor said.
Scott said “a compelling case could be made” for extending high-speed rail to Richmond and, eventually, Hampton Roads.
“We’re delighted that Karen Rae is with us as a Virginian,” Scott said. “I know we will not get any special favors but we do expect a fair advantage.”
Cantor further advocated putting together “a winning package for Virginia” to access the federal funds.
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