The Federal Railroad Administration is awarding the Washington State Department of Transportation a $49.7 million grant to explore the feasibility of a high-speed rail line linking Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver, Canada, according to multiple published reports.
The funding, provided through the Corridor Identification and Development Program, will support planning, community outreach, and route analysis. Additionally, the Washington Legislature will allocate $5.5 million in matching funds for the project.
The concept of a Cascadia high-speed rail line has been discussed for years but progress has been slow, mainly due to the project's high cost. However, momentum is building, particularly in Washington, which launched the Cascadia High-Speed Rail and I-5 Program last year, following up on a 2020 study.
Microsoft President Brad Smith has emerged as a vocal supporter of the project. Recently, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, and British Columbia Premier David Eby announced a federal grant, calling it the "first significant investment" in the initiative, spurred by the region's anticipated population growth over the next 25 years.
The proposed Cascadia high-speed rail line would be built on new tracks designed specifically for high-speed passenger travel. According to Washington's federal congressional delegation, the line could reach speeds of more than 200 miles per hour.
In comparison, Amtrak's Cascades line - which also travels through Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver - shares tracks with freight trains, resulting in frequent delays and a speed limit of 79 miles per hour.
