Chattanooga-Atlanta high-speed rail idea chugs along

The Times Free Press reports the idea of high-speed rail transportation between Chattanooga and Atlanta International Airport lives on, and greater detail is expected by mid-2012. Supposedly, the concept is advancing at least as well as competing rail ideas around the nation.

TN Maglev allies need $3.5MM

Chattanooga and its Georgia allies for development of a maglev train connecting Choo-Chootown with Atlanta need $3.5MM before they can deposit a federal grant and complete an environmental assessment. The TFP has it. Post on possible Nashville link, earlier this year.

Maglev to the Noog gets levitated

The idea of a Maglev Train running between Chattanooga and Atlanta got a measure of support this week, when the Georgia Senate voted a resolution of support. No money, just good phone. Meanwhile, if you read the comments posted on the AJC regarding the notion of giving priority to a maglev to the Noog, you won't be overly optimistic. Another aspect of all this that hasn't surfaced for awhile is the earlier discussion of maglev between NASHville and the Noog (notice the logo). All this levitation will take some mighty prestidigitation by lawmakers in the current environment. On the other hand, if Atlantans begin to tap into the spinoff of VW's investment in Chattanooga, they might start to see all this through a different lens.

Newswrap Jan. 26

An AP story out today says Gov. Bredesen still wants repeal of the F&E tax exemption now enjoyed by family-owned non-corporate entities (FONCE), despite bipartisan opposition to a change, KNS, here (our earlier related story here). ...Memphis-area's masterIT sells IT-as-a-Utility preventive maintenance, CA, Jan. 26. ...U.S. stimulus spending for electronic medical records, smarter electrical grids and rural broadband could get $37 billion in the Obama stim package, but some observers fear IT industry's skills shortage could create bottlenecks, a prospect one executive discounts. New York Times, Jan. 25. ...Closer to home, Telemedicine expands in East TN, TFP, Jan. 22. ...A portable EHR is offered by Maryville-based Critical Access Inc., in the JCP. ...U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon says the stimulus package may include money for MTSU's $135 million new science building, TSN, Jan. 23. ...MTSU economist David Penn says creating new durable jobs will require renewed emphasis on workforce education, DNJ, Jan. 25. ...Tech2020 will convene on Wednesday to hear from Y-12 National Security Complex about doing tech-transfer partnerships. KNS, Jan. 25. ...We love our new VW plant, but Business Facilities says it was the deal second-best to Rolls-Royce's announcement in Virginia. ...ORNL's Kraken supercomputer cranks up, KNS, Jan. 23. ...East Ridge is the second city to take Chattanooga-based EPB's video service, rather than a cable competitor's, Chattanoogan.com. ...'Noogans want stimulus money for their proposed maglev rail link to Georgia, KNS, Jan. 24.