Mecklenburg Legislative Representative Ric Killian introduced legislation March 22nd, which, if passed, would prohibit North Carolina from accepting federal High Speed Rail money - unless specifically approved by the Legislature.

Killian, a three term Republican legislator from District 105 in southeast Mecklenburg County, is Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Co-Chair of the House Appropriations Committee.

NC DOT Secretary Gene Conti has just announced the completion of a working agreement with Norfolk/Southern Railway to utilize some trackage and construct additional tracks to accommodate a high speed rail line which would run from Washington to Charlotte.   It’s unclear if such legislation would affect the already committed federal money, but would directly affect future funds.

Funds for some of this construction would come from previously committed federal money, but still needs Congressional support for  continued funding.  Some States, including Florida and Ohio, have opted out of federal funding of rail projects, effectively ending those states' passenger rail aspirations.