Biden administration pledges $6 billion to a pair of high-speed electric rail routes in the US West
The Biden administration has announced a commitment of over $6 billion to support the development of two high-speed electric rail routes in the Western United States. The projects, which have faced significant challenges and delays, are being hailed as the future of public transportation by supporters, while critics point to their high costs and lengthy construction times.
The first route, which is privately-owned, will link Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area. It will receive $3 billion in federal funding. The second route, a publicly-funded effort, will connect Los Angeles and San Francisco. An initial segment of the California project will receive $3.1 billion in federal funding.
While the federal funding represents only a fraction of the total cost of constructing the routes, it highlights the Biden administration’s commitment to high-speed rail. Although high-speed rail is a common mode of transportation in Europe and Asia, it has yet to gain popularity in the United States, a country known for its reliance on cars.
The California project was approved by voters in 2008 and initially estimated to cost $30 billion, with completion expected by 2020. However, the price has since soared to over $100 billion, with only $25 billion in funding secured. The focus is now on a 119-mile segment in California’s Central Valley that will connect several cities with poor air quality. The $3.1 billion in federal funding will be used exclusively for this segment, which is not projected to open until 2033 at the earliest.
Brian Kelly, CEO of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, expressed enthusiasm for the federal funding, stating that it will help close a funding gap of approximately $10 billion. He also expressed the authority’s intent to seek additional funding from both federal and state sources. California Governor Gavin Newsom described the funding as a vote of confidence and emphasized its significance at a critical juncture for the project.
Funding for the high-speed rail projects has been tumultuous, with former President Donald Trump attempting to revoke $1 billion in federal funding granted by the Obama administration. Additionally, there were concerns about the project’s viability that led to attempts to block the release of more than $4 billion in voter-approved bond money. However, both sources of funding have become available.
The route between Las Vegas and Los Angeles has been a topic of discussion for years. Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen confirmed that the project has obtained all necessary right-of-way and environmental approvals, as well as labor agreements, for work to commence along the Interstate 15 corridor. While no start date has been announced, Rosen suggested that electric-powered trains could be operational by the time Los Angeles hosts the Summer Olympics in 2028.
The high-speed rail line is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and offer a quicker alternative for travelers. Proponents argue that trains traveling at speeds of nearly 200 mph could cut travel times in half compared to driving. The service could significantly reduce the traffic jams often experienced on the I-15 near the Nevada-California line.
The announcement of federal funding for these high-speed rail projects signifies a renewed focus on developing sustainable transportation options in the United States. As the country strives to reduce its carbon footprint and enhance public transit, investment in high-speed electric rail systems is seen as a crucial step towards achieving these goals.
