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High-speed Rail Supporters Target Federal Transit Bill

November 26th, 2015 by WCBC Radio

Supporters of a high-speed maglev train system for Maryland are pushing members of Congress to amend a massive federal transportation bill to ensure the project is eligible for future federal grants. The Baltimore Sun reports the lobbying effort to include "technical" changes in the multibillion-dollar transportation bill reflects the backers' belief that the $10 billion project will need significant federal investment to get off the ground, and that the pending legislation may be the last opportunity for years to ensure that happens.

Supporters are concerned that the definitions used for major federal rail grants could bar an award to maglev because its tracks will not connect to those used by Amtrak and CSX.

The train, which glides on a cushion of air at speeds in excess of 300 miles per hour, would carry passengers between Washington and Baltimore.

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