Identifying a Shared Vision for High-Speed Rail

OAKLAND, Calif., Feb. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Viewpoint from Peter Gertler, chair high-speed rail services for HNTB Corporation, on Vice President Joe Biden's announcement today of a comprehensive plan to provide 80 percent of Americans access to high-speed rail within 25 years:

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High-speed rail offers the United States a chance to complete the nation's multimodal transportation network and significantly improve the way Americans travel and commute.

We welcome the administration's leadership and participation in the national conversation. This plan is a timely opportunity to engage the public and policymakers in a discussion about the future of America's transportation system. Beyond initial investments – totaling more than $10.5 billion in the last two years – we need a vision and a long-term financing plan that supports a program as powerful as the Interstate Highway System was more than 50 years ago.

The announcement calls for a $56 billion investment, over six years. This funding provides a real opportunity to build on the country's down payment, continue work already begun as well as design and build for the future.

While there will be disagreements about the scope, timing and financing of the president's proposal, that debate should be encouraged. Finding common ground will allow our country to benefit from a modern rail system that will generate jobs, ease congestion and encourage economic development.

About Peter Gertler

Peter Gertler has 23 years of experience in public transportation and program management across the United States and around the world. Under Gertler's leadership, HNTB has become a leader in bringing high-speed rail to America. Throughout his career, Gertler has focused on developing and implementing public transportation alternatives through comprehensive and innovative technical and analytical means, as well as through broad-based community and stakeholder outreach. He is a member of the executive board of the American Public Transportation Association's High-Speed and Intercity Rail Committee as well as a member of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association's High-Speed Rail Development Council.

About HNTB

HNTB Corporation is an employee-owned infrastructure firm serving federal, state, municipal, military and private clients. With nearly a century of service, HNTB has the insight to understand the life cycle of infrastructure and the perspective to solve the most complex technical, financial and operational challenges. Professionals nationwide provide award-winning planning, design, program management and construction management services. For more information, visit www.hntb.com.

Related Links:

HNTB News Room

White House news release

SOURCE The HNTB Companies