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Site SearchRALEIGH, 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.”
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1. What will be the ongoing annual costs to the taxpayers of NC when the stimulus money stops?
2. Will you guarantee that the costs will not exceed the Federal Funds?
3. Will the contracts and fund spending be overseen by both parties equally along with neutral observers and have monthly audits of goals and spending?
4. Will there be full open bidding and transparency of the bidding and contracts awarded?
5. Will NC companies only be allowed to bid?
6. How much will this cost the state for right of way purchases?
And most important:
7. Can this money be better spent on projects that will benefit a larger population of NC residents?
Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
October 5, 2009 8:04 a.m.