The state of Washington has allocated funding from its 2019-2021 biennium transportation appropriations bill to study the creation of the Cascadia High Speed Rail Authority.
Stephen Fesler reports on the transportation spending approved by the Washington State Legislature at the conclusion of its 2019 legislative session.
"The appropriations bill will make $9.98 billion in transportation investments over the next two years," according to Fesler, "which is $300 million less than the governor’s $10.28 billion proposal."
A headlining inclusion in that number is up to $895,000 in funding to study the creation of a Cascadia High Speed Rail Authority, which would be charged with building a high-speed rail connection between Portland, Seattle, and across the border to Vancouver.
"Another $671,000 would need to come from other partners like the Province of British Columbia, State of Oregon, and business interests–the core high speed route is envisioned as linking the corridor from Portland to Vancouver, B.C., boosting business throughout," according to Fesler. "The state appropriation will not be released until funding from other partners is released, but it seems likely that the funding will come through."
The article includes a lot more detail on the other studies and projects funded by the appropriations bill.
See previous coverage of Cascadia Rail on Planetizen.
FULL STORY: Transportation Appropriations Bill Kickstarts Cascadia High Speed Rail Authority
Cascadia High-Speed Rail Corridor Seeking Federal Funding
The state of Washington is hoping federal infrastructure funding can pay for $198 million of the $348 million necessary to plan the Cascadia High-Speed Rail project.
An Interstate High-Speed Rail Authority on the Legislative Agenda in Washington
A big idea is gaining momentum.
Economic Stimulus: Another Chance for High-Speed Rail in the U.S.?
High-speed rail advocates in the Pacific Northwest are pushing for a high-speed link between Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland to be part of future economic stimulus spending in the United States.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)