Highlighting a Bipartisan Opportunity: High Speed Rail
Though multiple Republican governors have rejected federal high-speed rail (HSR) funding, the issue does not have to be one of partisanship.While Florida Governor Rick Scott’s rejection of federal high-speed rail funding may have been unfortunate for HSR enthusiasts in Florida, the leaders of many other states, from both parties, seem to be siding with the view that high-speed rail is an investment with long-term economic benefits.
Fortunately, Governor Snyder is one of those taking advantage of Florida's missteps. Michigan is in the process of pursuing those returned funds and, furthermore, the Governor’s proposed budget for passenger rail (roughly $8 million) is a number that Michigan LCV supports.
More bi-partisan bona fides for HSR: The primary sponsor for the important legislation to match federal funds to create high-speed lines throughout the state and a study of rail lines up to Traverse City came from Republican Wayne Schmidt. There was broad Democratic for this legislation in the House, as well, though it unfortunately died in the Senate when the session ended.
Back to the economic argument that actually makes this all bi-partisan in the first place, please check out the speech given last week at the Mid-America Club in Chicago by Raymond Bachant of Bombardier Transportation. To contextualize Mr. Bachant’s standpoint and expertise on the issue, note that his company is the Canadian firm that played an integral role in the development and manufacturing of roughly 95% of Europe’s high-speed trains. It’s time for Michigan and American companies to enter into that equation.
Bachant asserted that, “investment in passenger rail infrastructure is a decision that will create long-term jobs and strengthen the economy.” Considering the relationship between America and Europe's high-speed transit, Raymond Bachant’s standpoint does seem to be one that should be taken into consideration.
With many states having applied for part, or all, of Florida’s rejected funding, it is encouraging to see bipartisan support for the prospect of HSR in America. Michigan filed an application for Florida’s HSR funding in conjunction with Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Amtrak, a list that should serve to illustrate the kind of cross-party desire that is being shown for the federal funding turned down by Florida last month.
Clearly, governors from both parties are seeing opportunity in passenger rail infrastructure investment. Let’s be sure we capitalize on it.
