There’s a good discussion going on at Jason Pye’s blog about the possibility of a Atlanta-Chattanooga Maglev (magnetic levitation) train line.

I reserve the right to change my mind, but I don’t think it’s the best use of money currently.

First, I don’t see a business case for a train unless Chattanooga plans to build a much bigger airport than it currently has. Tourism to or from Atlanta alone doesn’t justify the cost, which could be anywhere from $3 billion to $8 billion depending on whose estimate you believe. Commuting certainly doesn’t in this case. Hartsfield is having trouble offering service to fliers during peak flying times, and there is a need for another airport option for Metro Atlanta. But why send that business out of state?

The only way that makes any sense is if Georgia reaps a huge incentive that makes up for that loss. Like, umm, say, a giant straw extended to the Tennessee River to bolster Georgia’s dangerously-low water supply.

Like Larry cites in the original post, getting TN to sell GA water has been tried several times, and TN has declined each time. So I agree with him this smacks of being a bribe to sweeten the pot for a water deal. Without a guarantee that would happen, I don’t think this Maglev line should be built. I’m not sure that’s a good deal for GA even if TN were to sell us some water. I’d need a lot of convincing.