Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) made the following remarks on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program announcement, going to the development of high-speed passenger rail service, as well as railroad station and railway improvements, announced today by President Obama.

“I have been advocating for years that high-speed rail must not be limited to the Northeast Corridor, and no one was more pleased than I to hear of the early commitment from the Obama Administration to develop high-speed rail corridors across the country.  I am pleased to see that the City of Dearborn will receive funding to build a first-class Amtrak station.  I intend to work tirelessly with my colleagues to bring more funding to Michigan and the 15th District to ensure that Dearborn’s station has the passengership that high-speed rail brings. 

“Today’s commitment of $40 million in high-speed rail funding for Michigan is a step forward, however, it falls short of jumpstarting the Detroit to Chicago corridor as envisioned by the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative.  Detroit to Chicago can never be a reality without investment in rail that can support high-speeds.  I urge the Obama Administration and Secretary LaHood to continue to work with the Midwest, one of the most economically depressed regions in the nation, on developing this critical piece of infrastructure and creating jobs where they are needed the most.”