We've written a good deal this year about the Midwest high-speed rail (HSR) network being pushed by regional governors, as well as congressional leaders like Sen. Dick Durbin.  The plan largely hinges on snagging a decent chunk of the $8 billion set aside for HSR as part of President Obama's stimulus package.  The Tribune is reporting some good news on this front: Vice President Joe Biden -- a longtime Amtrak fan -- appeared to suggest on a conference call yesterday that the project could potentially receive over $3 billion in stimulus funds:

Vice President Joe Biden lauded the Midwest proposal, which envisions passenger trains speeding through the region at 110 m.p.h., as "one of the most comprehensive plans that have been put forward so far."

The full 3,000-mile Midwest corridor system stretching over nine states would cost $9.6 billion to construct over 10 years, according to the latest estimate.

But "for $3.4 billion, you can get a big chunk of this plan done," Biden said in a conference call with reporters.

The article goes on to note that Gov. Quinn has "announced plans for a July summit of Midwest governors to address high-speed rail in Chicago."

Image courtesy of the New York Times.