This one was pretty insane.Thanks to my patrons: Adrian, Alex, Alexander Trout, andrew mullins, Andrew Schumacher, Andy Balonis, an engineer, Anthony Albence...
Even if the USA was to start a massive federal level HSR program tomorrow, it would likely be several disconnected networks which may never connect across the Rockies.
So what? You gotta start somewhere
I'm not saying you shouldn't start, just that I wouldn't expect a Spokane to Missoula or a Boise to Salt Lake City segment any time soon.