The US Department of Transportation has awarded the California High-Speed Rail Authority almost 3.1 billion USD in funding to advance construction on the nation’s first electrified 220-mph high-speed rail system.
This is the single strongest show of federal support to date for the project, contributing towards its goal of delivering fast, sustainable and affordable rail transport from Los Angeles to San Francisco.
“California is delivering on the first 220-mph, electric high-speed rail project in the nation. This show of support from the Biden-Harris Administration is a vote of confidence in today’s vision and comes at a critical turning point, providing the project new momentum.”
The grant, totalling 3.073 billion USD, was made possible by President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act through the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program (FSP-National).
Specifically, the grant will:
- Fund six electric trains for testing and use
- Fund the design of train facilities
- Fund the design and construction of the Fresno station
- Fund final design and early works, including right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation on the extensions to Merced to Bakersfield
- Fund construction in the Central Valley
“I am proud to champion this historic federal investment for California High-Speed Rail. California has never been afraid to take on big and bold challenges — including the development of the nation’s first true high-speed rail network. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and President Biden’s leadership, California has a partner in this effort to power our economy, reduce emissions, and connect our communities through high-speed rail.”
Over the last 12 months, the California High-Speed Rail Authority has pursued multiple funding opportunities under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
In September, it received nearly 202 million USD to advance grade separation work on the project, and in August, it was awarded an additional 25 million USD for the historic Fresno Depot and station site.
With this latest and most significant award, the Authority has now received more than 3.3 billion USD in federal funding.
“This record federal grant is a welcomed investment in the future of this transformative project. The Authority is humbled by the expression of confidence and commitment from our federal partner. We look forward to advancing the project, putting more Californians to work and buying new, electrified high-speed trains, all made possible by this grant.”
