FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, October 13, 1998
Contact: Warren Flatau
Telephone: 202-493-6024
FRA 23-98
FRA’s Interim Final Rule on Maglev
Makes Pre-Construction Planning Funds Available
U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater today announced that grant funds will be available for pre-construction planning of a Magnetic Levitation (Maglev) transportation system at a U.S. location.
"President Clinton is committed to harnessing technology that improves the quality of life for Americans and the economic strength of the nation," Secretary Slater said. "With this demonstration of high speed technology, Maglev will help ensure an efficient transportation system that offers flexibility of choices."
Maglev technology uses magnetic fields to safely and comfortably propel a vehicle at speeds of 240 mph or more on a specially designed guideway. Maglev trains can travel at speeds estimated to be at least 30 percent faster than Japanese bullet trains and almost twice the speed of any train currently operating in the U.S. In Germany, there are plans to break ground shortly on the construction of a system using this technology to link Berlin and Hamburg, a distance of 180 miles, with travel time of one hour.
"The purpose of the Maglev deployment program is to demonstrate this promising 21st century technology to the American people," FRA Administrator Jolene M. Molitoris said.
The award of planning grants will enable the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to choose the best site for this demonstration through a competition among interested states and their private partners, she said.
The interim final rule in today’s Federal Register sets a deadline of Dec. 31, 1998, for interested states and designated authorities to submit applications for planning grants. The FRA will accept proposals from interested organizations or authorities designated by one or more states. Grant funds of $15 million are available in fiscal year 1999 to carry out pre-construction planning activities. Several states have already indicated an interest in applying.
After reviewing the applications, approximately five of the most promising will be selected to receive grants to carry out the planning activities needed to establish the feasibility and relative merits of each project.
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