Georgia has received a $4.1 million grant to continue work on a high-speed rail project linking Atlanta to Charlotte, N.C.

The money is part of a larger $7 million grant program aimed at created a high-speed rail corridor from Atlanta to Washington, D.C.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Monday the money will help reduce traffic congestion as the nation's population grows by an expected 100 million over the next four decades.

Thirty-two states and D.C. are laying the foundation for high-speed rail lines to provide faster and more energy-efficient travel options to Americans.

Tags: high-speed rail, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood