NEW : The administration gives out $ 2 billion for high - speed rail projects . NEW : This occurs after Florida voters reject $ 2 billion for an Orlando - to - Tampa line . Obama wants 100 % of Americans to have access to high - speed rail within 25 years . This came after the Obama administration pulled another $ 1.2 billion in funding from Ohio and Wisconsin after their newly elected GOP governors vowed to kill high-speed rail projects that were under way . Critics contend the project is wasteful and will do little to boost economic competitiveness .
NEW : The administration gives out $ 2 billion for high - speed rail projects . NEW : This occurs after Florida voters reject $ 2 billion for an Orlando - to - Tampa line . Obama wants 100 % of Americans to have access to high - speed rail within 25 years . Critics contend the project is wasteful and will do little to boost economic competitiveness .