Spain has been able to leverage funds for its infrastructure -- especially high-speed rail -- to an amount the United States cannot currently match. Norman Anderson, President and CEO of CG/LA Infrastructure (a Washington, D.C. based consulting group), explains how Spain has been able to finance its infrastructure build out, and what America has to learn.

Through two documentary projects (BEYOND THE MOTOR CITY and ROAD TO THE FUTURE), Blueprint America interviews today's thinkers and tells the stories of everyday Americans as an older country looks for its next move. As simplistic an idea as it may seem, a new transportation system could be the answer.

President Obama’s high-speed rail plan is noble but sounds like and is today just a way to speed trips between certain cities (10 corridors at the moment). That’s just too short-sighted. We need a vision that links the country, all the major urban centers, together with high-speed rail.

Today on The Number Thirteen Line: The future of rail transportation in New York. The Number Thirteen Line is a monthly blog about transportation in New York and around the world by "Gridlock Sam" Schwartz and Annie Weinstock.

California voters approved $9.95 billion to fund a high-speed train network linking Southern California with the Bay Area.