Wide Web of High Speed Rail Could Boost Congressional Spending

"According to an E&E analysis, the passenger rail lines that received stimulus cash go through more than 40 percent of all congressional districts, including those represented by a number of powerful lawmakers that will play a key role in finding the tens of billions of additional dollars thought to be needed to complete the work.

When looked at as a whole, the grants can be seen as an attempt to entice lawmakers to continue to spend on a massive public works project that is still very much in its infancy, even at a time when Washington has one eye firmly focused on the growing national deficit."

Congressional districts located nearby high speed rail corridors are expected to see benefits from the system, according to the analysis. Representatives in those places may be more likely to support legislation to provide additional funding for high speed rail projects.