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Last week, Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter announced his state is partnering with New Mexico and Texas to apply for a federal high-speed rail corridor designation for a route running between El Paso, Denver, Albuquerque and other points in the three states.

Congress has authorized up to 11 high-speed corridors, but only 10 have been designated, Ritter said. The three-state partnership plans to seek the 11th and final designation and pursue federal funding to complete a feasibility study for the corridor.

The three states could receive up to $5 million from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) under the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 to study the corridor’s viability, Ritter said in a prepared statement. The states have submitted a joint pre-application to the FRA for the funds.

“It is high time Congress designate a Western corridor,” said Ritter. “This designation would connect our communities, increase economic opportunities, create jobs and lead Colorado's transportation infrastructure forward."