(WASHINGTON, D.C.) -- U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood  announced more than $2 billion in high-speed rail grants will go to Amtrak and 15 states, including North Carolina.  The money is coming from funds rejected by the state of Florida after the Sunshine State opted out of any high speed rail initiative.

North Carolina will get $4 million for environmental analysis on the Richmond to Raleigh section of the Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor. The Southeast section is a key component of the 110-mph Northeast Corridor.

“President Obama and Vice President Biden’s vision for a national rail system will help ensure America is equipped to win the future with the fastest, safest and most efficient transportation network in the world,” said Secretary LaHood. “The investments we’re making today will help states across the country create jobs, spur economic development and boost manufacturing in their communities.”

"These projects will put thousands of Americans to work, save hundreds of thousands of hours for American travelers every year, and boost U.S. manufacturing by investing hundreds of millions of dollars in next-generation, American-made locomotives and railcars,"  said Vice President Biden.