From the AP newswire and the local newspaper: SoCal-to-Vegas rail route wins federal designation KATHLEEN HENNESSEY Associated Press LAS VEGAS — The clogged tourist travel route between Southern California and Las Vegas has been designated a federal high-speed rail corridor, in a move that officials hope would signal increased cooperation between the regions on building speedier train travel. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced Thursday that the route is now considered part of the federally designated California high-speed rail corridor. LaHood called the congestion on Interstate 15 linking Southern California and the Las Vegas-area, "very bad for business, very bad for safety and certainly very bad for the environment." He made the announcement at a news conference in Las Vegas, accompanied by Sen. Harry Reid and California Department of Transportation Director Will Kempton. The immediate impact of designation appears to be minimal. Nine other rail routes in the U.S. share the distinction, considered a boost for applying for a portion of the $8 billion in stimulus funding set aside by the Obama administration for high-speed rail projects. But Kempton said California will not include the Las Vegas leg in its application for federal money. That state's initial priority — a route connecting several cities along the coast — is considered a front-runner to receive a significant chunk of the federal dollars. Reid spokesman Jon Summers said the designation could help a Las Vegas route secure federal loans, however transportation officials minimized the distinction's impact on federal loan programs. "If they're going to apply for a loan they can apply a loan whether or not they're a designated corridor or not," said Federal Railroad Administration spokesman Rob Kulat. "It doesn't matter, it depends on the quality of the application." Still, Reid and Kempton used the announcement to promise high-speed rail between Southern California and Nevada was on a fast track. The men also touted their support for one of two competing train proposals vying to be the first to shuttle people across the desert to the casinos of the Las Vegas Strip. Reid recently abandoned his backing for a futuristic levitating train connecting Anaheim and Las Vegas. The train, which would be the first in the U.S. to use magnetic levitation technology, was derided as the "Sin City Express" by the Democrat's political opponents. On Thursday, the Senate majority leader said the maglev train, which carries an estimated $12 billion price tag and would rely on federal money, wasn't realistic. "We just simply don't have the money," Reid said. The senator's preferred project is now one advocated by powerful Republican lobbyist and political ally, Sig Rogich. The electric DesertXpress train would travel at speeds of up to 150 mph and would stop 85 miles short of Los Angeles in Victorville, Calif. DesertXpress backers say the project's estimated cost of up to $4 billion will be privately funded with the help of federal loans. The president of the group backing the maglev project said he was surprised by the officials' public endorsement for DesertXpress. When the Obama administration announced its plan to fund high-speed rail earlier this year, Neil Cummings said he thought maglev was poised to get some stimulus money. Even without Reid's support, Cummings said the project will move forward.
Guess I got something else to look at here in Vegas...however it would be cool if it was an Auto train type of train...that way I can put my car on it so I don't have to drive to socal...
That's all well and good, but I think most californians would be thrilled to have a 79mph or better standard amtrak service with open bar from Anaheim/Fullerton to Vegas. I know I would use that service often. I mean, HSR is great, I'm all for it, but they should be refurbing Sidelined Amtrak equipment and seeing if they can put colorado railcar back in business in order to start up what will be a popular service RIGHT NOW!
Amen to that! Gee Whiz makes for great PR, but on time service to most folks around the Country will bring immediate popular support.....!
Considering those many news comments we've heard concerning financial troubles for the government of California, regardless of any Federal (taking money from all the other states who need it equally as much!) funding, I don't see this as something Sacramento should be backing at present. In-state concerns should be more pressing. Some other time.... Boxcab E50
Except that California's Transportation infrastructure is as bad or worse than any other state's and most of this line would in fact be in California. The amount of money they're talking about here wouldn't "Fix" california's budget problems nor would Federal Dollars be better spent elsewhere, because of the fiscal problems. California can't pay for it's school. Even if you close all the prisons and shut down all the fire stations. board up the state parks, At least this would generate ridership. It would also alleviate crowding problems at the regional airports.
I am not talking about fixing the budget problems of California. I am talking about using the money on California infrastructure. Other states have their problems- I am sure they'd like to see their citizens tax dollars kept at home to fix their own troubles, regardless of the situation for California. The project suggested is not a top of the list initiative at this point in time. Boxcab E50
Me, too. At least twice a year. I'd settle for 60 mph to Vegas. Just the ability to snooze, or wander a little to stretch beats taking the car. Once in Vegas, a car is a nuisance. It just sits in the hoitel garage.
Well the way to get the Desert Wind to come back is to contact your federal representatives. Due to the support from such it looks like the Pioneer will be back next year.
Standard service (not HSR) to Vegas ought to be. Vegas is a growing metropolis. LA is the Second largest City in the US and LA/OC/SD is huge. In point of fact, the Tax dollars that such an initiative would cost are more than made up for by Southern California resident taxes without touching the taxes paid in by those from other regions. LA and Vegas are also two of the biggest tourist destinations in the country which means that money spent there actually does positively impact a large percentage of people across the country. LAX alone has the highest number of terminating connections in the US. I'm not suggesting that other regions of the country should not get a fair and appropriate share of stimulus and general fund dollars from the Fed, but suggesting that this line not be a top priority is to my mind not reasonable. Re-establishing service on this corridor looks to be shovel ready and a bargin. And, As for HSR. Well, I don't agree with the Pacheo Pass routing for the California HSR plan, but we're further along than anyone else. If we're gonna spend money on HSR, I think California is probably second only to NEC in terms of getting going.
That's what I am talking about- No HSR, and certainly not MagLev. Some time in the future. Not that near, nor now. We are well aware of what is happening in both CA and Vegas. We keep in fairly constant communication with close family and friends resident in both places. Boxcab E50
As long as I can bring my car to LA...being I only go to LA for car shows, but would be nice to be able to snooze, or stretch out for the trip.
