Rhode Island Secures $28M for Railroad Improvements

Rhode Island has secured $28 million in federal money for railroad improvements from stimulus money that Florida rejected. $25 million was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation for improvements at the Kingston Train Station in South Kingstown and $3 million awarded for preliminary engineering and environmental work to overhaul the Providence Station.

A 1.5-mile siding will be built at Kingston to accommodate trains waiting for high-speed trains to pass. According to the U.S. DOT, with the improvements, Amtrak s high-speed trains can operate at up to 150 mph as they pass the station. DOT added that in Providence, the design work will set the stage for improvements that will enhance the passenger experience, keep the station in good working order and improve transit and pedestrian connectivity. The federal money for Rhode Island comes as part of $2 billion in railway improvements announced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. Federal Railroad Administration of the department selected 15 states and Amtrak to get money for 22 high-speed intercity passenger rail projects as part of a nationwide network that will connect 80 percent of Americans to high-speed rail in 25 years. LaHood said, President Obama and Vice President Biden s vision for a national rail system will help ensure America is equipped to win the future with the fastest, safest and most efficient transportation network in the world. The investments we re making today will help states across the country create jobs, spur economic development and boost manufacturing in their communities.

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