8:57 – This is why I voted for this guy. Could you see John McCain talking positively about High-Speed Rail, let alone investing almost 9 billion dollars in it? I think not. Amtrak Joe and Ray Lahood will be there as well.
9:04 – Still no Obama. Running a bit late, but he has a busy day, what with flying to Mexico and all.
9:15 – “This President is running later than a northbound Carolinian through Virginia!” :silence:
9:20 – Here we go…
9:21 – There’s a small map of FRA HS Rail corridors to the left of the podium.
9:25 – Two-minute warning
9:27 – POTUS, VPOTUS, and Lahood entering
9:28 – Lahood introduces Reps. Oberstaar, Andrews, John Robert Smith of Meridian, MS, Philly Mayor, Richmond Mayor, Rockville (IL) mayor. “DOT is proud to support Obama’s vision for improved Passenger Rail service in America…”
9:29 – “Jumpstart a new era in American Train Travel…” Will soon begin meeting with stakeholders. “Right thing” to do for envirnoment, clean deisel or electric power, Capable of removing ‘billions of pounds” of CO2 from Atmosphere. Lahood sounds passionate.
9:30 – “We Would not be here today if it weren’t for these two rail men behind me.” HSR “their Transportation legacy.”
9:32 – “The most active rider on Amtrak,” Joe Biden!
9:33 – “I promise these comments will be shorter than the ride!” Joe! It’s time that we extend NEC and improve rest of the country.
9:34 – “America’s Long-Term economic future.” A “down-payment” on America’s economy. “more happy than you can imagine” to talk about HSR development.
9:35 – Pull people off the road, lowering congestion and dependence on foreign oil, air quality, lessen damage to our planet. Make travel “leaner and cleaner.”
9:36 – “My father referred to my many commutes (7,900) saying ‘that is the definition of a mis-spent adulthood.” Introducing Obama…
9:37 – Thanks to Sec. Lahood, Rahm Emmanuel, and Obama.
9:38 – Obama introduced, acknowledges Jim Oberstarr and Rob Andrews for their work in Congress. Infrastructure is immediate and longlasting investment, If we want to move from recovery to prosperity, we have to build a new foundation for future growth, our aging system of highways, airports hinder growth. Congestion results in lost money.
9:40 – we need a smart transportation system for the 21st century, reduces emissions and creates jobs,a vistion for HSR in America. Imagine boarding train in middle of the city, “no taking off your shoes!” “It is happening right now, the problem is it’s been happening elsewhere!” TGV has reignited growth, Spain’s Madrid-Seville success, China has more miles of HSR in five years. Japan builds line over 300 mph. “There’s no reason why we can’t do this. This is America. There’s no reason why the future of HSR can’t be here.”
9:43 – “Our strategy has two parts – improving existing rail lines, identifying potential corridors for the creation of world-class HSR.” DOT will being awarding funds before the end of the summer. Money will be distributed based on merit. This plan is realistic, 1st round on “shovel-ready.”
9:45 – Next step, investing in HSR corridors (10 corridors) and have presented them, no decision has been made yet, HSR corridors so far include cascades, FL, Midwest, CA, etc. Jobs for HSR can’t be outsourced. Move to cleaner energy and cleaner environment. Reduce demand on oil, CO2.
9:46 – critics, “I know Americans love their cars, but this is something that has been done, can be done,” “This investment is too small,” but this is a first step. “We shouldn’t do this in a crisis, but History says otherwise, Lincoln built RR during the Civil War.”
9:50 – wraps up “Make no little plans.”
