U.S. Travel: Plan to Invest in High-Speed Rail Much-Needed

U.S. President Barack Obama’s controversial plan to invest in high-speed and intercity rail service over the next six years won the support of the U.S. Travel Association. In a statement, Roger Dow, president and CEO of U.S. Travel said the administration's high-speed rail proposal was a "much-needed step toward strengthening" the U.S. economy.

"Investing in high-speed and intercity rail service is a positive and much-needed step toward rebuilding and expanding the national transportation system and strengthening our economy," Dow said. "We should pursue viable and responsible funding mechanisms to help make this happen because transportation is the gateway to job creation in America's hotels, restaurants, attractions and destinations from coast-to-coast.

"The Administration should continue to lead the way in working to spur greater public and private financing of high-speed rail networks that will relieve congestion on regional highway systems, provide travelers with an efficient option and means of reaching their destinations and help protect the environment."

To ensure the nation's economic competitiveness, the U.S. should try to ensure that business and leisure travelers alike have affordable options, according to Dow. The U.S. Travel chief said the association was looking forward to working with the administration and new Congress to improve the way transportation was funded, prioritized and designed in the future.

Visit www.ustravel.org.