So our share will be $735 million for highways and bridges, and $103 million for public transit, aviation, rail, ferry, bicycle and pedestrian projects.

And possibly more. Some of the money isn't earmarked for specific states, but we could have a shot at some of the $8 billion reserved for high-speed and other intercity passenger trains. ... [MORE]

The federal economic stimulus package includes an $8 billion boost for inter-city and high-speed passenger rail service — and that possibly could turn into a fast-track bonus for the Triangle and North Carolina.

Virginia and North Carolina are partners in the proposed Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor from Charlotte to Washington, D.C., one of several fast-train plans being developed across the country.

Because much of the planning and environmental analysis has been finished, the southeast plan could find itself near the front of the line in eligibility for stimulus cash.

“The southeast corridor is pretty far along in terms of engineering and design drawings,” said Gerry Cohen, who oversees bill drafting for the General Assembly. Cohen helped write legislation introduced this week to strengthen transit and inter-city rail service in North Carolina. ... [MORE]