U.S. government allocates $49.7 million for Cascadia high-speed rail planning

The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced $49.7 million in funding for the Cascadia High-Speed Rail project, which aims to connect Vancouver, Portland, and Seattle. Washington state is contributing an additional $5.6 million. This funding will support planning efforts, including route identification and public outreach. The proposed rail line could operate at speeds up to 400 km/h, addressing congestion in the I-5 corridor. Experts note that significant challenges remain, including high construction costs and a lack of existing rail infrastructure. Some advocates suggest improving current rail services may be a more effective approach than pursuing a new high-speed line.