Once the initial government subsidies end, states would be left to pay for the mammoth costs of a higher-speed version of the failing Amtrak model.

The debate over whether to build a high-speed rail line spanning 80 miles between Baton Rouge and New Orleans is heating up.

"The simple solution is to stop imposing federal boondoggles on the states and let them determine their needs for expanded rail networks."

A feasibility study by Burk-Kleinpeter Inc. and HDR Engineering emphasizes the economic and social benefits of the proposed high-speed rail linking New Orleans to Baton Rouge. Currently under revision, the final report is due March 16. With an estimated 78% probability of having a positive return on investment, the study claims that the value creation...

President Obama has earmarked $8 Billion for high-speed rail as part of the stimulus package. Boosters of this plan claim that it would ease traffic congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But is high-speed rail really the environmentally-friendly, efficient means of transportation its proponents say it is? And would a costly high-speed rail plan benefit...