Savannah Grandfather's Flickr photostream/Creative Commons

President Obama strongly pushed for the development of a national high speed rail system in a speech this morning.  Saying it was a key component of at last weening the United States off of its dependence on foreign oil.  In remarks at the Old Executive Office Building, before departing on trips to Trinidad and Mexico, Obama said, “High-speed rail is long-overdue, and this plan lets American travelers know that they are not doomed to a future of long lines at the airports or jammed cars on the highways.”

Currently the Federal stimulus package provide $8 Billion in funding for high speed rail development, while The White House’s proposed budget allocates another $5 Billion toward it.  However, these amounts, while leaps and bounds beyond what has been budgeted for rail transit for decades, would represent only a small fraction of the amount needed to finance comprehensive high speed transit in the United States.  But Obama dismissed concerns over the cost for 21st Century rail travel, saying it was vital for both our economy and environment going forward.

You can takepart in advocating for more high speed rail options by checking out the National Association of Railroad Passengers.

LINKS:

Detroit Free Press: Obama: Put Detroit on track for high speed rail

NY Times: Obama unveils high speed rail plan

Reuters: Obama says US high-speed rail overdue