BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) – The city of Birmingham is again discussing the creation of a high-speed rail system to connect Dallas to Atlanta along the I-20.
Birmingham supporters of the new transportation system say the project would reduce travel time from Birmingham to Atlanta and boost economic growth for jobs and tourism.
Project I-20x would span 800 miles between Dallas Texas and Atlanta Georgia.
“It’s going to be fantastic. It’s going to open up an access we’ve never had before, ”said Richard Finley, President of the Finley Group.
Stations will be in Shreveport La., Miss Jackson. and Birmingham set up.
“There are just a lot of options. We saw the downturn in Covid and its impact on the economy. So if we can do projects like this that will create jobs for at least five years, we have to pursue that and we have to put our diligence on it, ”said Clinton Woods, Birmingham City Councilor.
To better educate the public, investors and stakeholders about the project, Councilor Woods is planning a high-speed rail conference this fall.
“The advantages of introducing high-speed trains into the region are being discussed. But everything you will hear from the train manufacturers. What their products are, how they are built, how long it will take, ”said Woods.
The project is still in the early stages and there are still many hurdles to come before the high-speed rail system is approved.
“First a cooperation agreement. From the collaboration agreement, we will be putting a pact on high-speed rail to state legislatures, and we were hoping to get that pact in front of each state legislature before the first of the year before they meet again, “Finley said.
Once the compact is ready, city planners and engineers they’ve worked with can get started.
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