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Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced it obligated grants to California and Michigan, enabling the states to advance plans for high- and higher-speed passenger rail projects.

The California High-Speed Rail Authority received $928.6 million to begin initial construction on its statewide high-speed rail system. Construction is expected to start in Fresno next year. The grant, combined with voter-approved state bonds and previously awarded federal dollars, will fund the construction of the first usable segment of the system in the Central Valley, according to the USDOT.

The Michigan Department of Transportation received $150 million to acquire ownership of the majority of the Chicago-Detroit/Pontiac high-speed rail corridor within the state of Michigan. The acquisition will pave the way for a track and signal improvement project between Detroit and Kalamazoo, scheduled to begin in spring 2012, that will enable Amtrak to operate trains at speeds up to 110 mph for its Wolverine and Blue Water services. The upgrades will shave 30 minutes off travel times between the two cities.

Previously announced USDOT grants will fund the installation of continuous-welded rail and ties, as well as fiber-optic lines and infrastructure to support a positive train control system. Michigan DOT also will rebuild 180 grade crossings, and install gates and flashers at 65 private crossings.