NC to get $520M to upgrade rail corridor

WASHINGTON — North Carolina is slated to get $520 million in federal stimulus funds to improve the rail corridor between Charlotte and Raleigh.

The money will go toward upgrading tracks, increasing top train speeds to 90 miles per hour and doubling the number of round trips, according to information the White House provided to North Carolina lawmakers before a formal announcement. It also will help purchase
and rehabilitate train equipment and improve security.

The money was awarded from a pool of $8 billion in competitive grants.

Besides the Charlotte-Raleigh leg, the White House also plans to announce $25 million for improvements between Raleigh and Richmond, Va.

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