In January, President Obama announced that North Carolina was awarded $545 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds to continue its development of high-speed intercity rail. US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Monday announced that the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and the State of North Carolina have finalized a grant agreement for $20.3 million, the first installment of the $545 million awarded to the state.
"President Obama's bold vision for high-speed rail is a game changer for US transportation," said Secretary LaHood. "We're improving North Carolina's transportation infrastructure while putting people back to work. That's a win for everyone."
"North Carolina has planned well and is set to build a world-class transportation network that will link the Tar Heel State to Washington, D.C. and the Northeast through high-speed rail," said Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph C. Szabo.
"North Carolina is part of an elite group as one of only seven states receiving high-speed rail corridor development funding," Rep. David Price said. "As part of more than $500 million in Recovery Act investments being made to modernize North Carolina's rail system and increase rail speeds, this funding will further what must be our highest priority: putting North Carolinians to work"
Nationally, ARRA provided an $8 billion down payment for high speed rail.