Ticket for train companies is US jobs

[December 04, 2009]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Obama administration is addressing concerns about European and Japanese companies cashing in on the $8 billion high-speed rail program.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood plans to announce at a round-table Friday with rail manufacturers and suppliers that 30 foreign and domestic companies have promised to establish or expand operations in the United States if they win contracts to build high-speed lines.

LaHood said in a statement the commitments ensure the rail program creates jobs in the U.S. and boosts domestic manufacturing.

There are no high-speed trains in the U.S. outside the Northeast.

[Associated Press; By JOAN LOWY]

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