SENATE BILL: Transportation Infrastructure Investment Act (Law'd)

[bgwah]

Didn't we pass a high speed rail bill a year ago, which covered a bunch of cities?

I think I had some provisions in my bill a while ago, but I could be wrong. It may have been expansion of the highway system. I think bgwah had a similar bill as well. I favor a bill like this as long as it isn't redundant. I know Texas has not been covered, but I believe some of the major southern hubs were. Again, I could be wrong.

perhaps you're thinking of what was included in the stimulus: https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/2010_Federal_Stimulus_Act

[bgwah]

5. $8 billion will be distributed among the regions by the DoIA for the repair, expansion, or construction of rapid bus lines in metropolitan areas.

So are you formally proposing this as an amendment?

[bgwah]

Sponsor/Friendly amendment:

5. $8 billion will be distributed among the regions by the DoIA for the repair, expansion, or construction of rapid bus lines in metropolitan areas.

Senators have 24 hours to object.

[bgwah]

Basically commuter rail.

It is too bad that commuter rail could not be done underground cost-effectively.

With interest rates as low as they ever will be, now would be the best time to go ahead with these projects that we would otherwise regard as pipe dreams.  Wait any longer, and they will be too expensive to even consider.  

Perhaps we should have a program where the federal government pays the interest for regions that decide to pursue grade-separated rail. I think the mayor of LA proposed something like this recently.

[bgwah]

Consider that one of the key issues for rail in many parts of the country is the rails themselves are owned privately, and more often that not freight, which generates more revenue, is given priority access to the best tracks - which means passenger services get old tracks that cannot handle maximum train speeds.

So even when trains COULD go 100-130mph, they are slowed down to as little as 40mph...

This issue is BIGGER than just throwing money at it... it needs a equally-sized discussion.

I had subway and elevated in mind---ie, creating new grade-separated right of ways for rail transit.

[bgwah]

Sponsor/Friendly amendment:

5. $8 billion will be distributed among the regions by the DoIA for the repair, expansion, or construction of rapid bus lines in metropolitan areas.

Senators have 24 hours to object.

This amendment has passed.

[bgwah]

I would like offer the following amendment:

Section 4 is added, and shall read;
"1. The federal government will pay any interest on mass transit projects should they begin by January 1, 2015."

[bgwah]

The amendment has been accepted as friendly. Senators have 24 hours to object.

[bgwah]

The amendment has passed.

[bgwah]

Current text:

Transportation Infrastructure Investment Act

Section 1: Appropriations

1. $10 billion shall be appropriated for the construction of a high speed rail line connecting the cities of Bridgeport, New Haven, and Hartford, CT and Springfield, Worcester, and Boston, MA.

2. $5 billion shall be appropriated for the construction of a high speed rail line connecting the cities of Portland, OR and Tacoma and Seattle, WA.

3. $5 billion shall be appropriated for the construction of a high speed rail line connecting the cities of Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, and Charlotte, NC.

4. $10 billion shall be appropriated for the construction of a high speed rail line connecting the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul MN, Madison and Milwaukee WI, and Chicago IL.

5. $8 billion will be distributed among the regions by the DoIA for the repair, expansion, or construction of rapid bus lines in metropolitan areas.

Section 2: Completion

1. The rail lines are to be completed by 2016.

2. The construction of the rail lines should significantly affect as few private properties as reasonably possible.

3. Existing lines should be updated when it is reasonably possible.

Section 3: Operation

1. These rail lines shall be operated under Section 3 of the High Speed Rail Act.

Section 4: Interest Payments
1. The federal government will pay any interest on mass transit projects should they begin by January 1, 2015."

[bgwah]

I'm bringing this bill to a final vote. Please vote aye, nay, or abstain.


Aye

[bgwah]

Current tally: 5-2, with 2 not voting

This has enough votes to pass. Senators have 24 hours to change their votes.

[bgwah]

This bill has passed 5-2. It is now presented to the President for his signature.