Virginia makes deal with CSXT to advance DC-Richmond high-speed rail

Virginia and CSX Transportation have reached an agreement about how to proceed with federal stimulus spending on a new high-speed rail line between Washington and Richmond, the Washington Post reports. A framework agreement over the $75-million project has now been submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

If the federal agency signs
off, Gov. Bob McDonnell’s office indicates work on the rail line can begin. CSXT
cooperation is necessary for the project since, like in most states, the rail
corridor in Virginia is owned by the private company and used for freight
transport. McDonnell said in a statement that Virginia is the first state in
the country to reach agreement with its private rail corridor owner over use of
its full stimulus grant award.

CSX Chairman Michael J.
Ward and McDonnell met to discuss the project. "We look forward to working
with CSXT and the U.S. Department of Transportation to advance new Virginia
projects through this agreement," McDonnell said in a statement.

"A key challenge to
enhancing passenger rail service is adding the rail capacity necessary to ensure
efficient passenger operations, while still maintaining the ability to provide
the public benefits associated with moving freight by rail. Virginia and CSXT
have a long and successful history in adding necessary capacity that improves
the rail network in Virginia, and this agreement is a continuation of that
cooperative approach," Ward said.