The House takes up H.J.R. 1654:
Bill sponsor Rep. Nelson Cole, D-Rockingham, says we’re going to have to change the way we travel and move goods. We can’t build roads fast enough – rail is the answer.
Rep. Margaret Dickson, D-Cumberland, talks about sitting in traffic at stoplights and describes traveling between two tractor-trailer trucks as “scary.” This resolution maintains and enhances the state’s rail system.
Rep. Ray Rapp, D-Madison, says this is recommended by the 21st Century Transportaion Committee, and says it would improve service to our ports and to Fort Bragg.
Rep. Curtis Blackwood, R-Union, asks how much money will be expected from N.C. taxpayers? Cole responds that the money will come from federal stimulus grants. No state money.
Rep. John Blust, R-Guilford, reminds legislators that the federal stimulus money was borrowed from China. Where is the money going to come from? Are these projects worth the debt? These are not shovel-ready projects. He suggests canceling all these projects and reduce the federal borrowing.
Rep. Marilyn Avila, R-Wake, asks about right-of-way issues. She says there is a good reason that you haven’t hopped a train because we don’t live in a train-oriented culture. This is a waste of time, money, and resources. Lawmakers can’t fight human nature. They need to provide people what they want ? reduced congestion and safe roads ? not what legislators want.
Rep. Verla Insko, D-Orange, says other areas where trains are used are successful. “We are about to step into a better future with this bill.”
Rapp continues … AMTRAX, C and X, and Norfolk Southern will be paying for parts of the system. We can collect more services from our ports if the trains are better. We need to think about homeland security and about train service of the future. When you’re running trains at 90 mph, people will get on board.
The vote on the resolution to seek federal stimulus money for high-speed rail: 99-18.
