It would be logical to do that if it were a section that would see some measure if high speed use. Not necessarily - a lightly traveled starter corridor works

It would be logical to do that if it were a section that would see some measure if high speed use. Not necessarily - a lightly traveled starter corridor works well for a new system in terms of minimizing disruptions when the inevitable problems crop up. To be honest, if it were up to me, I would recommend starting it where it would get the most ridership, but the CHSRA has a legitimate argument here. Also the project can more easily deal with adverse impacts in "the middle of nowhere" better then it could in a more heavily populated area.