Infrastructure is something rural areas desperately need. I believe that rail travel is the future, not the past. South Dakota and Wyoming are the only two states without Amtrak service. I am not implying that this upgrade would provide Amtrak connections, but improved track improves odds. The new possibilities that the project creates are bold and exciting.
Many people overestimate the pollution and noise caused by a modern train.
I think an explanation for these achievements is warranted. Welded rail is different in the fact that the rails are often up to one quarter mile in length and welded at joints, eliminating the gap and any noise. Modern locomotives are truly an engineering marvel. Thus, they expel less smoke, make less noise, and the average train requires fewer units. This situation mandates that the train does not use the horn and simply requires more protection at street crossings, usually additional warning devices.