$423M approved for LA Union Station update
The California High-Speed Rail Authority has approved a $423.34 million project management and funding agreement with Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority (L.A. Metro) to modernize the historic LA Union Station through the Link Union Station (Link US) project. The project will allow trains to enter and exit from both the north and south of the station, which will increase capacity for rail service and reduce train idling times. The project will also improve connections between regional transit services and accommodate future high-speed rail service.[masstransitmag.com]
Minnesota Senate derails Twin Cities to Duluth
The Minnesota Senate voted Monday to prohibit planning for a new passenger rail service between the Twin Cities and Duluth, which is known as the Northern Lights Express. Lawmakers amended the transportation section of a larger supplemental budget and policy bill with the prohibition language. It would prevent the state transportation commissioner and the Metropolitan Council from spending any money on the project. The vote for the amendment was 35-31. The larger bill passed 40-26. [mprnews.org]
Officials want NW Arkansas in US rail plans
The Ozark Regional Transit Authority has approved an effort to get Northwest Arkansas included in the national passenger rail network. Transit board members are concerned that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) hasn’t incorporated Northwest Arkansas into current Regional Passenger Rail Planning. The board unanimously agreed to encourage Arkansas DOT officials to include the Northwest Arkansas Metropolitan area in its update of the Arkansas State Rail Plan and to incorporate the region into the FRA’s Regional Passenger Rail Network Plan. [nwaonline.com]
Fed millions sought to cut Florida rail deaths
South Florida’s proliferation of rail accidents has led to a new $45 million plan to boost public safety. Brightline and the Florida East Coast Railway are teaming with the state of Florida to pump millions more dollars into crash prevention along the railroad corridor between Miami-Dade and Brevard counties. The companies, along with the Florida Department of Transportation, are asking the U.S. Department of Transportation for $25 million to supplement $20 million in combined contributions from the railroads and the state. [sun-sentinel.com]
