Congressional Hearing on HSR, DC Conference Registration Deal Ends Friday

California HSR - Special Project of National Significance Northeast Corridor HSR Project of National Significance Chicago Hub HSR Project Texas HSR Project Various other smaller upgrade projects on existing rail lines Preliminary planning studies for the next round of new projects

California HSR is a Special Project of National Significance worthy of ongoing federal funding. It's the largest and most advanced HSR project in the nation, with the first phase readying to go out to bid. There is widespread public and business support for the project. It's already creating jobs, and will quickly become a national demonstration project for advanced HSR technology in America. Given its location near Silicon Valley, this could lead to the launch of a new high tech industry. California will be the first test of 220 mph trains on American soil, quickly advancing the nation from last place to first place in global state-of-the-art HSR.

California needs this new rail system because they have the worst congestion in America, with no possibility of expanding their freeways. With the state's population expected to double, HSR is the only feasible mobility solution. California is the 8th largest economy in the world, and represents more than 13 percent of the U.S. economy. The state needs a modern, efficient transportation system. The recently released business plan laid out the worst case scenario of taking decades to build out. A number of investors have already expressed interest in building the second phase - the two end pieces - creating the full San Francisco to Los Angeles 220 mph connection. This will quickly become the busiest, most profitable rail line in America, and a top five in the world.

We have a unique opportunity to launch a national high speed rail competition between the east and west coasts for developing HSR in America. There's no time to wait for the Northeast corridor to be built before launching other important HSR systems. Regions across America need high speed rail's benefits now. The best way forward is to advance multiple systems simultaneously in different regions.

The US High Speed Rail Association supports the development of multi-use infrastructure corridors containing rail lines, pipe lines, communication lines, utilities, energy systems, and smart grid lines. Together, these save money by combining investments across a number of sectors, creating additional revenue streams.

As the nation enters a new era of tight budgets, high energy prices, and paralyzing congestion, HSR will play an important role across America by delivering new transportation options that save time, money, and energy.