New York unveils $10.7 billion plan for high-speed rail service

It does not make a lot of sense to me for New York to be wanting $10.7 billion to build a rail line between Albany and Buffalo given the significant budget shortfall it is experiencing. Yes, jobs would be created with the project and about an hour would be shaved off travel between the two cities, but I would much rather see that money go towards education. Governor David Patterson's budget plan cuts $700 million in aid to education is a problem because education is the foundation of building strong American citizens. I know Washington probably wouldn't devote money towards education given the state of the economy, but it would be a more valid and responsible use of taxpayer money than simply to create projects that have little value in the short and long run.