DOT Secretary Ray LaHood announced plans to dedicate $745 million for rail construction projects along the Northeast Corridor.

About $450 million will be used to use upgrade electrical systems and tracks between Trenton, N.J., and New York City, improving "on-time performance and reliability, and an initial increase in top operating speeds up to 160 miles per hour and future maximum speeds of 186 miles per hour," according to a Department of Transportation statement. Another $295 million will be used to create new routes in and out of New York City to allow Amtrak to bypass "the busiest passenger rail junction in the nation."