The Torch

Issue date: 2/11/10 Section: News

Media Credit: Javier Magallanes [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Javier Magallanes Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy and OSPIRG transit project coordinator Lisa Robinette discuss plans for a possible high-speed rail system in Eugene. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Javier Magallanes [Click to enlarge]

Zipping from Eugene to Vancouver, and eventually other places in the country, in a high-speed train is the hope. The Obama administration's recent $8 million contribution brings the project another step closer.

Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy and OSPIRG transit project coordinator Lisa Robinette discussed the rail and released a new research report Tuesday, Feb. 9 at the Eugene Amtrak Station on Fifth Avenue.

According to the report, improvements to current rail lines in Oregon are estimated to cost $2.3 billion, which the state applied for. The $8 million allotted by the federal government will go toward those improvements. Though Oregon was not allotted the full amount, Robinette said she is not discouraged.

The hope is that the rail would reduce congestion, oil usage and carbon emissions, and triple ridership between Eugene and Portland.

Piercy announced that a statewide convention would take place in Eugene next month to discuss the project.

"We're next," she said. "Now is the time for the commitment to take place."

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