Portland-Vancouver high-speed rail inches forward The dream of a high-speed rail line connecting  Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver, BC , is moving closer to reality. A recent  $49.7 million federal grant  has been awarded to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to study the feasibility of this ambitious project. This marks a significant step forward for the Cascadia high-speed rail line. I have travelled on the existing Amrak line from Seattle to Vancouver and truly is one of the most scenic trips you can go on. It is doubtful for a number of reasons that is the line the future high-speed rail line would take. Riding the Amtrak Cascades train is a scenic trip and well worth it! Key Points Federal Funding:  The $49.7 million grant comes from the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Corridor Identification and Development Program. The Washington Legislature is also contributing  $5.5 million in matching funds , bringing the total to ...