COLORADO - The following information was released by the office of the governor of Colorado:

Governor Bill Ritter today announced that Colorado is partnering with New Mexico and Texas to apply for a high-speed rail corridor designation between El Paso and Denver, running through New Mexico.

Congress has authorized up to 11 high-speed corridors across the U.S. Currently only ten corridors have been designated. The three-state partnership is seeking the 11th and final designation and will seek federal funding to complete a feasibility study.

"High-speed rail has long been a conversation in Colorado, and this designation would provide the funding needed to further examine its feasibility," said Gov. Bill Ritter. "There is a great deal of movement of people, goods and services along the Front Range and the entire Colorado-Texas-New Mexico corridor, and it is high time Congress designate a Western corridor. This designation would connect our communities, increase economic opportunities, create jobs, and lead Colorado's transportation infrastructure forward."

Earlier this year, President Obama launched an aggressive effort to develop a national network of high-speed passenger rail lines. The president unveiled a strategic plan identifying $8 billion in federal stimulus funds and a separate five-year, $5 billion investment as a down payment to jump-start the nation's high-speed rail lines.

"The overwhelming success of the New Mexico RailRunner is proof of the demand for more modern, efficient and environmentally friendly transportation options," New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson said. "High-speed rail is the future of our country and is going to be a major boost to the economic vitality of the cities and states along its routes. With this designation, New Mexico will be in better position to meet the evolving economic, workforce and transportation demands of the 21st Century."