A proposed bullet train connecting Chattanooga with Atlanta and Nashville is still alive despite not having received federal stimulus funding, officials said Friday.
But fast-train supporters say vital steps must be taken to propel the project, including getting more attention from top Obama administration officials.
"We've got to work with key leadership to get them looking at what we're doing," said Joe Ferguson, who oversees the rapid rail initiative for the city's Enterprise Center.
Mr. Ferguson also said the region must speed completion of an environmental impact study so it can be ready for future federal train money.
He said officials aren't surprised the Atlanta-Chattanooga-Nashville project didn't receive stimulus funds awarded earlier this year because the environmental report isn't finished.
"We didn't expect stimulus," Mr. Ferguson said, adding he hopes the environmental study will be ready in about 18 months.
Wayne Cropp, the center's chief executive, said train supporters need to locally match $13.8 million in new study funds the project was awarded by the Federal Railroad Administration last September.
He said the matching money is pledged, and Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield is committed to the project.
However, some public officials in North Georgia earlier this week said they may not help provide the match because of the economy.
Mr. Ferguson also said the project needs to become designated as a high-speed corridor by FRA.
In addition, he called for an interstate agreement between Georgia, Tennessee and Kentucky.