Chessie Hokie
Train Attendant
On Wednesday the French Minister of Ecology announced the intent to introduce legislation (Loi Grenelle de l'environnement ), to be debated this summer in the National Assembly, calling for an additional 2,000 km (~1,242 miles) of high-speed lines nationwide by the year 2020 (the current high-speed network is about 1,700 km). The program calls for an investment of 70 billion euros (about $105 billion), of which the French government expects to directly invest between 20 and 25%, or 14 to 17.5 billion euros ($21 to $26.25 billion). The remainder of the funding will come from local/regional governments, the RFF (Réseau ferré de France...the company responsible for all rail infrastructure) and, in certain cases, the European Union.
It is interesting to note that this ambitious program is driven by environmental considerations...apparently the French Government is taking climate change and oil supply forecasts to heart and is planning to position the country for the future.
Is anyone in Washington watching this? I am doubtful...
It is interesting to note that this ambitious program is driven by environmental considerations...apparently the French Government is taking climate change and oil supply forecasts to heart and is planning to position the country for the future.
Is anyone in Washington watching this? I am doubtful...