Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Pacific Northwest could see some benefit from President Barack Obama's plan to spend money on high-speed rail.

The president allocated $8 billion in federal stimulus money for trains. The plan aims to relieve congestion and save energy.

Washington state transportation secretary Paula Hammond says the rail corridor that stretches from Vancouver, British Columbia to Eugene, Oregon could see a number of projects.

Paula Hammond: “And it centers around things like track improvements, track sidings, double tracking, train set purchases. And then big improvements to straighten out some of the track line to help our speeds go faster.”

Washington Governor Chris Gregoire and Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski sent a joint letter in response to the announcement.

They’re lobbying the Obama administration for rail funding, saying the Northwest has many projects ready to go.