is a first of its kind, we understand and expect that the
the work, 20 percent, of the project.”
federal government needs to perform a thorough analysis
OT has declined to comment on the Xpress West
of our project and the loan request. We are committed to
rail project because the application is currently uncontinuing to cooperate with federal authorities through
der review. The DOT, however, has said that they view
the conclusion of the review process.” The RRIF program
a nationwide network of high-speed rail as a solution to
is administered by the Federal Rail Administration, an
growth in transportation. Current plans seek to implement
agency of the DOT.
a three-tiered passenger rail network where “Core Express”
The uncertainty hasn’t stopped some firms from poservices will operate trains in the country’s most densely
sitioning themselves for work on the Xpress West rail
populated areas at speeds exceeding 125 mph, “Regional
project. President of ENVIRO AgScience, Dr. Louis
Services” will operate between large and mid-sized cities
Lynn, reported that his firm is working “at risk,” or for
at speeds exceeding 90
“free” to help define and
mph, and “Emerging
direct diverse participaServices” will connect
tion, should the funding
smaller communities to
be approved.
the larger rail networks
“Based on our sucand operate at speeds
cess in the SBA 8(a)
of less than 90 mph.
and HUBZone small
The government
business programs,
has invested $12 bilENVIRO is investing
lion in high-speed and
resources by opening
intercity passenger
offices in both Los Anrail since 2009 and
geles and Las Vegas
has released a map of
to be ready when the
proposed rail projects,
project is funded. Xpress
including high-speed
West High Speed Rail
passenger rail. Most of
has become the anchor
the proposed projects
for ENVIRO’s West
focus on connecting
Coast expansion stratcities along the East
egy. Xpress West and
and West coasts, reCalifornia high speed A map of the the proposed Xpress West rail project in California high-speed rail projects.
spectively, and linking
rail projects will utilize
Milwaukee, Chicago, Detroit, and St. Louis. 85 percent
the service of high-tech and low-tech firms. It is big
of the DOT’s funding for rail projects has been made in
enough for firms across the nation to branch out to Nevada
these regions.
and California.”
In March of this year, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin)
Lynn continues, “ENVIRO is working with Hank
and Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Alabama) wrote a letter to SecWilfong of National Association of Small Disadvanretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, calling the risks the
taged Businesses in a leadership role advocating diversity
loans pose to taxpayers “untenable,” noting that the Govparticipation in [this project],” he said. Wilfong sees the
ernment Accountability Office (GAO) was investigating
project as a major opportunity for minority and small
the project. The GAO has concluded their investigation
disadvantaged business (SDB) participation. “I think it
of Xpress West’s proposals without major objections.
looks tremendous as far as participation of socioeconomic,
In many respects, Skancke’s argument for the Xpress
disadvantaged individuals is concerned.” He reports that
West rail project is an argument for modernizing transXpress West has voluntarily set a goal of 20 percent SBD
portation infrastructure in the United States. “Xpress
participation on the project. “They [Xpress West] are
West will be the first high-speed rail project with its own
some of the most pro-active people that I have run into,”
right-of-way with 180-200 mph train speeds.” According
Wilfong said.
to Skancke, this would be the first such train in the United
He identifies Tony Marnell, of Marnell Companies,
States. Further, Skancke says, “It would connect Las Vegas
as a key driver to SDB participation. Marnell Companies
to a whole new market. For Las Vegas to be the first city
is a major partner with Xpress West. Wilfong’s optimism
in the United States sends a global message that we are a
is tempered by what he sees as a significant challenge to
global business and tourism destination—just like Beijing,
meeting the participation goal. “I am not sure that we
just like Paris, London, Madrid, and Shanghai.”
◆
have the capacity and the capability to do that much of
D
MBE
May/June 2013
33