President Barack Obama today announced an ambitious plan to develop a network of high-speed passenger trains connecting American cities, comparing the program to former President Dwight D. Eisenhower's push to develop the interstate highway system.

Ten corridors, including one from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg and Philadelphia, were designated as eligible for some of the $13 billion in federal spending authorized in the economic stimulus legislation or proposed by Mr. Obama for high-speed rail development.

Some of the grants could be awarded as soon as this summer, the president said.

The program will "change the way we travel in America. We must start developing clean, energy-efficient transportation that will define our regions for centuries to come," Mr. Obama said at a White House announcement.

"A major new high-speed rail line will generate many thousands of construction jobs over several years, as well as permanent jobs for rail employees and increased economic activity in the destinations these trains serve. High-speed rail is long overdue, and this plan lets American travelers know that they are not doomed to a future of long lines at the airports or jammed cars on the highways."

Congress approved $8 billion for high-speed rail development in the stimulus bill. Mr. Obama's proposed budget calls for an additional $1 billion per year for at least the next five years.