Obama hosted a National Governors Association meeting at the White House. Without singling out any particular states, the president said that some projects have become controversial as a result of partisan politics, Governing magazine reported. Newly elected Republican governors have scrapped rail plans in Ohio, Wisconsin, and Florida. (see related story)

Obama said state economies would recover best from the recession if governors make the choice to cut spending in certain areas and direct funds into roadway and public transportation projects, as well as education and scientific innovation.

"To those who say that we can't afford to make investments in infrastructure, I say we can't afford not to make investments in infrastructure," the president said. "We always have had the best infrastructure. The notion that somehow we'd give up that leadership at this critical juncture in our history makes no sense."

Florida Gov. Rick Scott, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, and Ohio Gov. John Kasich have rejected a combined $3.6 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for intercity passenger rail projects in recent months. Those governors have argued that even with the federal aid, the projects are too expensive at a time of state fiscal difficulties.

The Obama administration continues to strongly support rail. The White House has called for $8 billion in 2012 and $53 billion over six years for passenger rail projects in its proposed Fiscal Year 2012 budget. The president's goal, outlined during January's State of the Union address, is to provide 80% of Americans with access to high-speed rail during the next 25 years.

Vice President Joe Biden also spoke to the governors during Monday's White House gathering, reiterating the president's concerns while emphasizing infrastructure's role in job creation.

"We cannot have a 20th century infrastructure for the 21st century," Biden told the governors.

The president and vice president's full remarks are available at bit.ly/NGA022511.