U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-1st, released the following statement following President Obama’s announcement on Tuesday of a $71,364,980 stimulus-fund award for the construction of high-speed rail in Northwest Indiana.

“This investment in high-speed rail will create jobs in Northwest Indiana and stimulate economic activity into the future,” Visclosky said. “Bringing high-speed rail to our area will connect us with cities across the Midwest, enhancing our economic infrastructure and improving energy efficiency and environmental quality. I commend the Obama Administration on recognizing the potential of high-speed rail in Northwest Indiana and throughout the Midwest, and look forward to watching local workers turn this vision into a reality.”

According to the statement released by Visclosky, the federal award will fund “the construction of eight independent projects along a very congested segment between Porter and the Indiana/Illinois state line, including crossovers and related signal system improvements, minor rail additions, and siding improvements. The investment will create jobs immediately, as well as result in travel time savings and on-time performance improvements.”

Posted 1/28/2010