Several prominent state leaders in the Midwest joined forces to support a high-speed rail network that would link together various states in the region, according to a letter sent to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
Gov. Jim Doyle, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and other regional governors believe the rail network would improve the economy and introduce a new vision for intercity passenger rail.
""President Obama's vision of making high-speed rail a part of our nation's future transportation network holds great promise,"" Doyle and others wrote in a statement. ""We recognize that a high-speed rail network has the potential to reduce highway and airway congestion, greenhouse gas emissions and the nation's dependence on foreign oil.""
The hub of the Midwestern network would be located in Chicago, linking large and small metropolitan areas, airports, bus stations and highways.
The first phase of the network would connect Milwaukee to Madison and Chicago.
Obama's economic stimulus package funds and mandates high-speed passenger rail.
