from staff reports
Meridian Mayor John Robert Smith was among the proponents of high-speed rail invited to attend Thursday's presidential address concerning use of stimulus funds to support the development of high-speed rail in the nation.
The White House has compared President Obama's vision for high speed rail with President Eisenhower's vision for the interstate highway system. The President has said he believes that, like the interstate highway system, high speed rail could "change the way we travel in America."
Smith has long been a proponent of passenger rail and the development of high speed rail. He served as president of the Amtrak Board of Directors during the Clinton administration and has testified before Congress on passenger rail issues.
Smith called the unveiling of President Obama's strategic plan "a great day for passenger rail" and noted that the Gulf Coast High-Speed Rail Corridor, which runs through Meridian, is included as one of the 10 corridors nationwide identified as potential recipients of federal funding.
The plan identifies two types of projects for funding. One would create new corridors for high speed passenger rail similar to that found in Europe and Japan. Another would involve making train service along existing rail lines incrementally faster.
The President said his proposal will create thousands of construction jobs, many permanent jobs for rail employees, and will be an economic boon to areas served by the rail lines.
The President, Vice President, and Secretary of Transportation are urging states and local communities to put together plans for a network of 100 mile to 600 mile corridors, which will compete for the federal dollars. The merit-driven process will result in federal grants as soon as late summer 2009.
"High speed rail has the potential to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, lower harmful carbon emissions, foster new economic development and give travelers more choices when it comes to moving around the country," a written statement from the White House said.
"We must start developing clean, energy-efficient transportation that will define our regions for centuries to come," President Obama said in his address.
"The President's two-pronged approach to develop high-speed rail and to make existing rail travel more efficient is exactly what we've been advocating for many years," Smith said in a written statement. "I am profoundly encouraged by the direction in which this administration is taking the critical issue of passenger rail."
The President's plan identifies $8 billion provided for high speed rail in the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act and $1 billion a year for five years requested in the federal budget to "jump start" the rail system.
The plan can be viewed on the Web at www.fra.dot.gov/us/content/31.
Local News
Stimulus money to fund high speed rail
- Local News
-
-
In memory of those who died
A 21-gun salute is a common part of any Memorial Day program.
But the release of 21 snow white doves representing the peace we enjoy today because of those who have fallen in battle was a rare treat of the Second Annual Memorial Day Program held Monday afternoon at Magnolia Cemetery in Meridian. -
Choctaw Expressions to be showcased
The Mississippi Craft Center will present Choctaw Expressions as the featured cultural and historical exhibit for the month of June.
The presentation will showcase the rich and unique heritage of the Mississippi Choctaw Indians with traditional cultural arts and artifacts. The exhibition is set to open to the public on Friday, June 1 at 10 a.m. The Mississippi Craft Center, located in Ridgeland, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission and will highlight this unique event through June 30. -
Earth’s Bounty Festival Saturday
Residents in the Meridian area will have the opportunity to purchase locally grown or made products throughout the summer and fall through the Earth’s Bounty festival.
The expanded version of the current farmer's market will take place on the first Saturday of every month from June-November at Singing Brakeman Park in Meridian near Union Station. -
WWI soldier’s family receives Purple Heart
About three weeks before the end of WW I, two young officers with the 320 Machine Gun Battalion crept through the battered moonscape of France on a mission to find new positions for their weapons.
-
Man dies of gunshot wound
Investigators with the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department are investigating a shooting incident that occurred Saturday morning in which one person died.
- Marriages & Divorces: Sunday, May 27, 2012
-
Leading Edges uses technology to enhance advertising
If local advertising agency Leading Edges has its way, pretty soon you will be using your iPhone or iPad to bring its clients' ads to life.
-
Meridian soldier to receive posthumous Purple Heart
- Partnership in place for safety blitz
-
Keeping time with the Disabled American Veterans
When you are responsible for transporting area veterans to Jackson to meet their medical appointments, you better be on time.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Diplomatic Expulsions Follow Fresh Syria Report
15 Dead in Northern Italy's 5.8-magnitude Quake
Angry Birds Spreading Their Wings
Witness Describes Fla. Face-chewing Attack
Man Falls Off Crane, Dies After Police Standoff
Russia Condemns Ally Syria Over Massacre of 108
Dairy Farm Uses Chiropractor to Help Cows
Unexpected Smog in Pristine National Parks
Air Canada Plane Makes Emergency Landing
New Ticks Spread Across Southeast, Diseases Rise
Bring Your Own Tech Programs Charge Up Students
Pope's Butler Vows to Help Vatican Investigation
Mother of Allegedly Abused Girl Denies Claims
Raw Video: 19 Dead in Qatar Shopping Mall Fire
Service Dogs Help Wash. Soldiers Battling PTSD
Raw Video: Heckler Bursts in on Blair Testimony
Japan Farmers Plant, Seek Radiation-free Rice
