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It's not very kind of the ABQ Journal to keep us non-subscribers from viewing the story online. I'm certain this writer makes a bunch of other statements of equal or greater stupidity to his claim that lives will be saved by this raildoggle. You've whetted my appetite, but not enough to pay for a subscription to the rag. Especially so since it's now the only paper in town, not that the Tribune was all that much better.

As a resident of one of the 30 or so cities all vying for additional federal transportation dollars to build more rail transit, I have a selfish interest in the "success" of this venture. Let's hope Richardson's successor and the Democrat-controlled legislature goes hog-wild and extends the rails in all directions: south to Socorro, west to Grants, east to Santa Rosa or maybe Tucumcari, with a spur up the back side of Sandia Peak to serve all the commuters of Cedar Crest and Sandia Park. All to be built with federal funds, naturally, since everyone knows the state hasn't got the bucks.

I'm sure the state's lobbyists, in concert with the new SecCommerce, would make a convincing case for cutting CO₂ emissions, highway deaths, wild animal roadkill and commuting time. It ought to sail through Congress and be signed by President 0bama.

The price? Oh, maybe $20 billion. Less than the Big 3 bailout, and look at all the benefits it would bring . . to those of us who've tried to stop these stupid rail ventures elsewhere in the country.

You see, unlike loans to banks and grants to automakers, federal funding of transportation projects is not open-ended. Once the five-year pot has been exhausted, it takes another ISTEA or TEA-21 to replenish.

And what better way to spend it than on a huge boondoggle across the center of New Mexico!

All to be built with federal funds, naturally, since everyone knows the state hasn't got the bucks.

As far as I know, no federal funds were used to build the Rail Runner as Richardson didn't want to take the chance that it would fail a cost benefit analysis (which it would) and it would mean delays (he wanted it built FAST for showcase use in his presidential campaign). However, having said that, I believe that state funds which were designated as match for in-state federal highway projects were diverted for the RR construction which in turn has derailed necessary highway rebuilding/reconstruction.

And what better way to spend it than on a huge boondoggle across the center of New Mexico!
Don't suggest it!!

As far as viewing the entire story, it is free. Look closely at the page and follow the instructions at the bottom -- no registration or subscription necessary, just needing to watch a 20-30 second ad.