After Florida Supreme Court Decision, Delaware's Congressional Delegation Urges Secretary Lahood to Send High-speed Rail Funds to Northeast Corridor

U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Representative John Carney (all D-Del.) on Friday released the following statement after the Florida Supreme Court's decision that the Governor of Florida could decline $2.4 billion in federal funds for high-speed rail.

"We hope that Florida's loss can be our gain. Here in the First State and throughout the Northeast Corridor we know that rail, particularly high-speed rail is a critical part of our economy. Though the impact of the decision on the President's vision for a national high-speed rail network is unfortunate, there are a number of important projects in the Northeast Corridor and right here in Delaware that could benefit millions of Americans. Projects like the construction of a new train station in Newark, or a third track connecting Wilmington and Newark to extend SEPTA's reach and ease congestion for Amtrak. We would welcome this funding and could quickly and effectively put it to good use expanding and improving our high-speed rail service. Not only would this create good paying jobs, but it would help ease congestion on our already crowded roads and highways, and reduce harmful air pollution."

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