SEATTLE — A high-speed rail connecting Portland, Seattle and Vancouver is one step closer to being a reality after the project was awarded funding from the federal government.
The Cascadia Ultra-High-Speed Ground Transportation project (UHSGT) was awarded a grant as part of $8.2 billion in funding the Biden Administration dedicated to passenger rail projects and planning efforts around the country.
Washington's congressional delegation, including Representatives Pramila Jayapal, Rick Larsen, Adam Smith, Derek Kilmer, Marilyn Strickland and Suzan DelBene penned a letter to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) reaffirming their commitment to make the high-speed rail a reality.
"Cities and counties across the nation want more frequent and more reliable intercity passenger rail service, and the Pacific Northwest is no exception," the letter read. "The combined population of Seattle, Washington, Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, British Columbia, is expected to grow by up to four million people by 2050. Reliable and efficient passenger rail service is and will continue to be essential to connecting communities across Washington."
The project was awarded funding under the FRA's Corridor Identification and Development Program, which aims to help guide intercity passenger rail development nationwide.
The project was awarded up to $500,000 of grant funding to help develop a scope, schedule and cost estimate for preparing, completing, or documenting its service development plan. According to the project's description on the FRA website, there would be a potential future extension south to Eugene, Oregon.