By Jessie Burchette
jburchette@salisburypost.comPlanned railroad improvements between Salisbury and Kannapolis ó including restoration of a second set of tracks ó are part of a new application for federal stimulus funds.
Gov. Beverly Perdue announced Friday that state officials have filed an application for $5 billion in stimulus funds for high-speed rail projects that would improve rail service between Charlotte and Washington. The state partnered with Washington in making the application.
A goal of the project is to provide frequent, reliable passenger trains that can travel at top speeds of 90 to 110 mph.
A total of $8 billion in stimulus funds has been set aside nationwide for high-speed rail projects.
Patrick Simmons, director of the Rail Division of the N.C. Department of Transportation, said recently that restoration of the second set of tracks would be in the second round of applications.
Initially, state rail officials planned to put the project in the first round of applications submitted several weeks ago. Perdue sought $76 million for six projects considered “ready to go.”
Simmons said federal officials narrowed the definition of “ready projects.”
Although the application process was delayed several weeks, Simmons said that won’t affect plans for the restoration of the double tracks.
During a July public meeting at the China Grove Community Memorial Building, state officials estimated the cost of the track restoration project in Rowan at $35 million, with work beginning next year.
Engineering work is continuing and plans are still on track to have another information session later this year in Rowan County to provide detailed information to property owners along the tracks who may be affected.
Simmons said the railroad will be double tracked.
“The long and short of it, capacity needs to be added,” Simmons said.
He noted that adding capacity is a good deal for consumers, providing more trains for freight and passengers.
The application will be weighed along with others from across the country. The merit-based funding will be awarded in early 2010.
Contact Jessie Burchette at 704-797-4254.