Today, Congressman Anh “Joseph” Cao (LA-2) held a press conference to challenge Louisiana Governor, Bobby Jindal to file an application under the Federal Rail Administration’s (FRA) High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program (HSIPR) to establish a passenger rail service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

He was joined by State Senator Ed Murray, State Representative Neil Abramson, and New Orleans City Council President, Arnie Fielkow.

Prepared Remarks: Congressman Cao

Thank you for attending this afternoon’s press conference.
We are here today to ask Governor Bobby Jindal to file an application under the Federal Rail Administration’s High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program to establish a passenger rail service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

We are asking that the State apply for funds set aside in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 also known as “the stimulus bill”.

This project isn’t new. In fact, Louisiana has been working on this rail system for decades.

If awarded to the State, this project would fund the entire $300 million needed to plan, design, and construct an intercity rail connection between New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

Eventually, the rail corridor will connect Houston, TX, Mobile, AL and Atlanta, GA.

Local, state, and federal officials realize the economic significance that a multi-state Southern Rail Corridor will bring to our area, and we are all willing to fight for it.
This project will provide a huge economic boost to our region, vastly improve future hurricane evacuations, and reduce traffic congestion on our roads.

The State of Louisiana’s own numbers show that the expected benefits of the project exceed any costs by $180 million. Those are the figures the state submitted in their pre-application for these funds to the US Department of Transportation earlier this summer.
That point needs to be repeated. The state’s own analysis shows this project is a $180 million “win” for Louisiana.

Therefore, I am disappointed that we have not had a better response from the state.
I understand Governor Jindal’s concern about financing the estimated $12 to $18 million it will cost to operate the system annually. Those are real numbers, and the state budget is hurting right now.

That is why I have been working with civic leaders and elected officials to submit a plan where local governments commit to financing this shortfall.

I was told yesterday by the Governor’s office that those commitments were not strong enough.
Well, I have been assured in writing from the Federal Railroad Administration that those commitments satisfy their requirements for applications.
 
That point was also confirmed by United States Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
The deadline for Governor Jindal’s office to file the application is at 12 midnight tonight.
They have an application already prepared to be submitted.

Governor Jindal give Louisiana a chance to build a high speed rail system. By not submitting an application you give Louisiana no chance.

Congressman Cao is a Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.