"Our goal is to develop a national high-speed rail network, create good jobs here in America, and help reinvigorate our manufacturing base," LaHood said. "We know these are tough economic times for many folks and we believe that U.S. rail manufacturers and suppliers will benefit greatly from this new program. We also look forward to establishing joint ventures with foreign firms who can provide expertise and establish or expand their operations here in the U.S."

The conference drew more than 100 business leaders, union representatives, industry groups, and experts -- including Wisconsin Transportation Secretary Frank Busalacchi and AASHTO Executive Director John Horsley -- to discuss President Barack Obama's vision for the development of high-speed and intercity passenger rail in America. The Federal Railroad Administration has received $57 billion in applications for passenger rail projects from the states; $8 billion is available from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. FRA expects to announce grant awards later this winter.

"We hope that money gets spent right here in the U.S. where it can create jobs and stimulate economic growth," LaHood wrote in a blog posting. "We want to see that $8 billion do its job-creation work in America. We want to create good jobs right here and reinvigorate U.S. manufacturing."

Several participants expressed concern that the funding might dry up in the future and thus manufacturers don't have any long-term certainly right now regarding America's commitment to high-speed rail. William Millar, American Public Transportation Association president, said Congress needs to enact a long-term high-speed rail program with guaranteed funding levels to give manufacturers a predictable and steady long-term base of demand.

A video of the two-hour conference is available at tinyurl.com/HSR120409.