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On Nov. 23, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) sent a letter to President Obama urging him to support California’s applications for high-speed and intercity passenger-rail funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The letter touted last November’s voter approval of nearly $9 billion in state bonds for high-speed rail construction, as well as the completed design and planning for the 800-mile statewide system. The letter also noted that the California High Speed Rail Authority has made “significant progress” on the environmental review, “making our state uniquely qualified to employ federal funds quickly,” according to the letter.

In addition, Schwarzenegger, Feinstein and Boxer said that California’s high-speed rail stimulus applications have broad support from across the state, with backing from business, environmental and labor leaders.