U.S. Department of Transportation Awards $16 Million for California Rail Network

The California High-Speed Rail Authority has been granted $16 million to install a technology system that would control and monitor train activity on the tracks from San Francisco to San Jose.

Ray LaHood, U.S. Transportation Secretary, announced Thursday that the CHSRA can begin to spend the money.

The system they intend to use is called Positive Train Control, and will be used to gauge efficiency in the scheduling management system, according to LaHood.  A statement released by the U.S. Department of Transportation on Thursday said that the installation of this system would bring the San Francisco to San Jose corridor closer to meeting the mandates in the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, and prepare it for integration with high-speed rail projects.

More than $5.8 billion has been allocated for the development of rail projects, which are being developed in 32 states, according to the statement. Much of the funding is from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

U.S. Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo (D-Menlo Park) was on the team that negotiated the funding for the PTC.

“This is great news for Peninsula residents,” Eschoo said. "This technology will improve Caltrain’s safety and efficiency. This is an important first step in making Caltrain a 21st century transportation system,” she added.

U.S. Congressman Michael Honda (D- California, 15th district) is on the House Budget Committee and the House Appropriations Committee, as well as a member of the federal team integral to attaining this grant.

“This $16 million in federal funds means faster commutes for our constituents,” Honda said.

“The only way for America to get back to work is for our nation to invest in a 21st century transportation system that will get us there. Improving Caltrain and laying the ground work for high-speed rail has a direct, positive impact on my constituents, and these federal funds show that their hard-earned tax dollars are being efficiently and effectively returned to their communities in visible and meaningful ways.”

LaHood's office said that a "Buy America" policy will be implemented when acquiring materials for high-speed rail projects. He said that he has been assured that the 30 foreign and domestic rail manufacturers with whom he's spoken, will hire American workers, and move their businesses to the U.S. if they enter into a contract to provide goods for a high-speed rail project.