N.C. applies for $5B from feds for high-speed rail

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina has applied to the federal government for more than $5 billion to improve rail service between Charlotte and Washington.

Gov. Beverly Perdue announced Friday state officials had applied for the second round of federal stimulus funds for four high-speed rail projects. The recovery law had $8 billion in competitive high-speed rail grants nationwide.

State rail division director Pat Simmons says North Carolina's application includes a joint plan with Virginia to improve the corridor between Charlotte and Richmond, Va.

Simmon says the application also seeks money to add second tracks between Raleigh and Charlotte to increase rail traffic volume and to provide a more direct northbound route out of Raleigh to Virginia.

"These projects are critical for communities throughout our state,” Perdue said. “North Carolina’s commitment to rail puts us in strong contention for these funds.”