Stimulus funds going to high-speed rail projects

One potential route would go between St. Louis and Kansas City.

By Pierce Courchaine

Published July 7, 2009

Not since the days of the old West have passenger trains been an integral part of Midwest transportation, but a high-speed railroad funded by stimulus dollars could change this.

"There is money out there like never before," said Mike Schadauer, Office of Transit director at the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act allocated $8 billion to develop high-speed rails. Federal Railroad Administration's Web site described this amount as a "down payment," after which $1 billion a year will be invested into high-speed rail until at least 2014.

Individual organizations, such as the Midwest High Speed Rail Initiative, must apply for this funding through a merit-based grant system.

FRA spokesman Rob Kulat said individual projects would be the first to receive funds, such as bridges and laying new track would be given top funding priority. He said applications for funding are due by July 10.

The FRA Web site lists the Chicago Hub Network as one of the top 10 corridors for potential high-speed rail projects. Lines from Chicago to St. Louis and St. Louis to Kansas City are some of the routes planned in the network.

Schadauer said high-speed rails could offer a number of benefits to the Midwest.

"Many college students may not be in the situation of owning their own vehicle," Schadauer said. "Anytime there are more choices, the market gives the user benefit for cheaper travel."

Schadauer also said high-speed rails can be faster than airplanes when traveling less than 500 miles.

"Passenger rails are a much more efficient way of moving people from an energy perspective," Schadauer said.

The FRA Web site reports that if high-speed rails were built in all federally designated corridors, there could be an annual reduction of 6 billion pounds of carbon dioxide.

Local businesses will also be affected by the implementation of high-speed rails.

Mo-X, a Columbia-based transportation company, makes 12 round trips daily to St. Louis and 5 to Kansas City, but owner and President Norm Ruebling said he doesn't see high-speed rail as hurting his business.

"In our community we have many modes of transportation to Kansas City and St. Louis," Ruebling said in an e-mail. "Customers choose which mode fits best for them and book accordingly."

Ruebling said a new line between the cities would be beneficial.

"A high-speed rail connecting Kansas City -- St. Louis would have a positive impact on our community," Ruebling said. "What is good for Columbia is good for us all, including small business."

Kulat said in order for high-speed rail to become a reality, work must be done to upgrade many existing tracks so they can handle the speeds of faster trains.

Kulat also said the number of existing tracks would need to grow, and he said more overpasses and underpasses would need to be constructed to accommodate increased use.

The FRA plans on announcing the first round of grant receivers by the end of the summer, although Schadauer said there is no promise high-speed trains would become reality in the Midwest.

"There is no guarantee for anybody," he said.