Wait for 4 years…
and chars…
To inject something that should be bi-partisian that pertains to this. The interest on the national debt this year is over $1 trillion. We spent more in interest than defense. I am all for government support of rail, esp high speed between Atlanta and DC, but something is going to have to give, across the board. Probably a combination of higher taxes (even as the gov’t rakes in record revenue) and budget cuts. Something that can not go on for ever will not.
With that in mind, I think the states are going to have to shoulder more of a burden for rail. I think there is support in both NC and probably Virginia for state investments to make up the cuts that must surely be coming in Federal spending. Though, to also be realistic, no party is showing any interest in cutting spending or raising taxes, so I guess we better get our cut of the national credit card while we can.
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I doubt that we can expect any policy that includes higher taxes. Starving the government seems to be the point in order to continue to cut taxes. Cut taxes > oh no we’re in debt! > starve the government, and repeat.
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We have a lot to digest over the next few weeks, months, years…life as we know it will most likely not be as we imagined on many fronts. I have much soul searching to do to come to grips with who we really are at our core and how to love going forward. Not really a rail or climate comment but one I think needs to be said all the same.
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I am pretty sure the $1.1 billion awarded from the BIL to the SEHSR segment from Raleigh to Wake Forest is safe. It might be slim pickin’ for further grants for the next four years, but even that’s not certain.
The rail money from BIL was appropriated by congress and a president can’t unilaterally “unappropriate” it.
Congress could potentially rescind the unawarded rail funds from BIL. That requires a majority in both houses which at this point seems likely, but also requires it to be a priority which seems possible but not that likely.
A Trump FRA could possibly change priorities and award funds to other projects, like an Elon Musk Hyperloop. Or, if directed, could simply let the remaining BIL rail funds go unawarded, and (I presume) eventually expire. Or they could just carry on with the program. Trump isn’t real big on fiscal austerity, he tends to be a populist and austerity ain’t popular.
Rescinding grants that have already been awarded and partly spent is tougher still. Especially given that they have already broken ground on this project. Congress could try to rescind, but it would certainly lead to legal challenges.
The Raleigh-WF project is not even expected to complete construction until 2030, two full years after Trump is no longer president. So we’ll be able to keep moving forward anyway.
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Haven’t read project 2025. But I seriously doubt it’s favorable to public transit.
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It’s not at all. It’s all cars & roads.
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I don’t want to get too political or too in the weeds here, but: probably not well.
Amtrak is probably doomed in its entirety now. Ride while you can.
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If Russia really is taking us over, why can’t we have the free healthcare, free university, affordable housing, cheap groceries, comprehensive transit Russia?
I’d want us to be like that Russia. The good side. It would solve all of our problems.
The healthcare, universities, groceries, and housing are all of worse quality, but they are cheaper. Big tradeoff, enjoy your access to the best here.
Public transit is a flat out win for Russia, obviously.
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Gentlefolk, let’s try to reel this thread in an and get our thoughts back on track.
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Yes. Let’s do that. I trimmed some of the off topic posts as a way to steer this thread back on course.
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Speaking of back on track…
I was scrolling on NextDoor and NIMBYs in N Raleigh complaining about the construction starting on Durant Rd that will grade separate the rail crossing.
Several people on there wondering why we are upgrading a rail line that is rarely used.
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There’s always someone. Can’t let it get to you.
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A YouTube channel I follow posted a reimagining of the R2R project that is actual high speed, rather than the 110mph service we’re planning for. Includes cost and ridership estimates. https://youtu.be/O_6NQSrRO8E?si=joNmANAO08P-HZOf
Thought people here may be interested in this.
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Interesting - and I like the podcaster is thinking about really pushing speeds.
Thanks for the link!
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