$5 Billion in Funding for Northeast High-Speed Rail—Courtesy the Japanese Government

A bank controlled by the government of Japan has promised $5 billion in financing for a proposal that would connect Washington D.C. and Baltimore via maglev, high-speed rail.

1 minute read

September 5, 2014, 12:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Japan High Speed Rail

foolish adler / Flickr

"An investor group hoping to build a high-speed train capable of cutting the travel time between Baltimore and Washington to 15 minutes says in a filing to state regulators that it has lined up more than $5 billion in financial backing," reports Kevin Rector.

The public Japan Bank for International Cooperation is behind the $5 billion, but the private Central Japan Railway Co. "has agreed to waive any licensing fees for use of its maglev technology," adds Rector.

"The details were included in Rapid Rail's filing Wednesday asking Maryland regulators for the old state franchise rights of the former Washington Baltimore & Annapolis Electric Railroad, a once-busy interurban electric rail car system that linked the three cities in the early 20th century."

The details of the so-called Northeast Maglev plans have been hinted at, but the filing released the first details about the Japanese government's involvement in the route. Previous reports on the Northeast Maglev also mentioned that the connection would continue on to New York City.

Thursday, September 4, 2014 in The Baltimore Sun

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

March 18, 2025 - Newsweek

Bird's eye view of manufactured home park.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing

Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

March 25, 2025 - Shelterforce

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands

The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

March 17, 2025 - The Wall Street Journal

Close-up of person changing battery on black electric bike outdoors.

Jersey City Program Offers Battery Swaps for Electric Bikes and Scooters

Residents can swap depleted batteries for fully charged ones as well as charge and park their devices at two pilot sites.

15 minutes ago - Smart Cities Dive

Brick buildings on small town street with red awnings on first floor businesses.

Research: Walkability Linked to Improved Public Health

A study reveals that the density of city blocks is a significant factor in communities’ walkability and, subsequently, improved public health outcomes for residents.

March 26 - Great Lakes Echo

Aerial view of neighborhood under construction with houses and vacant lots.

Report Outlines Strategies for Resilient Wildfire Recovery in LA

Project Recovery offers a roadmap for rebuilding more sustainable and climate-resilient communities after wildfires and other disasters.

March 26 - Urban Land Institute