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High Speed Rail Proposals Still on Track
Illinois and other Midwestern states could have an inside track on some federal stimulus money for a high-speed rail network. The federal Department of Transportation has announced guidelines for applying for the $8 billion available. The government also plans to spend $1 billion annually for the next five years.

The "Chicago hub" and California are both said to be well-positioned. Chicago anchors an eight-state cooperative that includes corridors to St. Louis, Detroit, Indianapolis, Cleveland and St. Paul, Minn. California has passed a bond issue that would help build an 800-mile network. Illinois boasts "upgrades to 110 mph that would lead to a 2 1/2-hour trip (from Chicago ) to Springfield," says Rick Harnish, executive director of the Midwest High Speed Rail Association.

A pre-application is due July 10, and the final application is due Aug. 24. Marisa Kolias, a spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Transportation, says while the pre-application component was a bit of a surprise, IDOT is confident it can meet the federal guidelines.

(Illinois Radio Network)
06 18 09 by Newsroom
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