Photo credit: Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation

In a step forward for high-speed passenger rail, the U.S. Department of Transportation today set aside $44.3 million toward the development of a rail corridor linking Richmond and Washington, DC.

The grant will help Virginia prepare for potential rail construction by starting environmental and engineering analyses.

Ultimately, this project will allow for the development of high-speed passenger rail along the entire Southeast corridor from Raleigh, NC to Washington.

High-speed rail will alleviate serious traffic congestion in the Interstate 95 corridor, spur economic development, and provide for a much more environmentally friendly transportation option for travelers and commuters.