Californians must urge their state legislators now to release Proposition 1A High Speed Rail bond funds before a July 1 deadline in order to match $3.3 billion in Federal funds.
The US High Speed Rail Association sent an urgent email today to rail advocates:
We are truly at a make it or break it moment for high-speed rail in California and in America. The California Legislature must decide by July 1st to release Proposition 1A high-speed rail bond funds to match $3.3 billion in federal grants.
HSR remains a top priority for a broad and diverse set of leaders and stakeholders all around California, including business, labor, and transportation and livability advocates, who agree that we cannot delay getting started.
HSR will help the economy and the state budget NOW because of massive job creation. Quality middle-class jobs will not only better the lives of thousands of families and improve the economy now, the tax revenues generated by new jobs will help bolster California's finances.
Long-term, HSR provides a foundation for ongoing economic prosperity because it provides a solution to our overtaxed transportation system and will free us from volatile fuel costs, helping businesses and individuals prosper.
Besides high-speed rail, the legislature's vote will cover funding for Amtrak projects in the state, commuter rail and public transit.
Here's what happens if they vote YES:
* Construction begins in the Central Valley on the nation's first dedicated high-speed line.
* Caltrain, the San Jose - San Francisco commuter line, gets electrified by 2018.
* ACE commuter rail and Amtrak's San Joaquin and Capitol Corridors get upgraded with new coordinated service.
* Metrolink's Antelope Valley and San Bernardino lines get upgraded.
* The stage will be set to close the missing link between Bakersfield and Los Angeles.
* Your local project will be easier to fund.
The USHSR Association emphasized that
It is critical that legislators hear from their constituents this week!
If you don't live in California, pass this message on to your California friends.
Thank you!
6:49 PM PT: Update ht to jpmassar:
Link to contact your CA legislators:
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/...