"The decision to expedite the federal environmental review process for Northeast Corridor high-speed rail projects is great news for all users of the NEC who are seeking increased passenger rail capacity, mobility and connectivity in the region.

"A faster review process will help speed along Amtrak's efforts to rebuild and improve today's corridor and advance Amtrak's vision to develop a new high-capacity, 220 mph NextGen high-speed rail system serving the region, including our Gateway Program to bring more track, tunnel and station capacity into the heart of Manhattan."