The United States in September will start funding a planned high-speed train service in an effort to rival the express rail systems of France, Spain, Japan, and China, officials said Wednesday. Regions and states have been given guidelines on how to apply for $9 billion allocated to build a national network of high-speed rail corridors, the Transportation Department said. The Federal Railroad Administration would award the first round of grants by mid-September under a plan announced in April by President Barack Obama. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said the commitment to revitalize the country's rail system by creating high-speed corridors and improving existing service between cities included an $8 billion grant program under the massive economic stimulus plan approved by Congress earlier this year. “High-speed rail can reduce traffic congestion and link up with light rail, subways, and buses to make travel more convenient and our communities more livable,” LaHood said.
