White House Announces $8.2B High-Speed Rail Projects Funding

The White House has announced the largest federal investment in passenger trains in 50 years, as part of its $66 billion federal bipartisan infrastructure law.

The investments are intended to electrify the nation’s rail links with a focus on sustainability and efficiency, and support the "first world-class high-speed rail projects in [U.S.] history."

Initial investments under the funding plan include $8.2 billion for 10 passenger rail projects, including a new high-speed link between California and Nevada and a high-speed rail line to link LA and San Francisco.

The administration also announced a $34.5 million investment through the Corridor Identification and Development program for passenger rail development across 44 states.

In a statement, the Biden administration said the projects will boost the nation’s sustainable transport options, job opportunities and overall infrastructure.

“Investments will repair aging rail infrastructure to increase train speeds, reduce delays, benefit freight rail supply chains to boost America’s economy, significantly reduce greenhouse emissions, and create good-paying union jobs,” the administration said. 

“Additionally, electric high-speed rail trains will take millions of cars off the roads and reduce emissions, further cementing intercity rail as an environmentally-friendly alternative to flying or driving and saving time for millions of Americans.”

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The investment comes within a climate of rising support for electric, high-speed trains. 

A day after the White House statement, the U.S. Transportation Department awarded $3 billion for a $12 billion high-speed rail project linking Las Vegas to Southern California, as well as $3.07 billion to connect San Francisco to Los Angeles.

Brightline West, an affiliate of Florida’s Brightline intercity rail service, will be constructing the rail line.

"We're ready to get to work," said Wes Edens, Brightline’s CEO. "This is a historic moment that will serve as a foundation for a new industry, and a remarkable project that will serve as the blueprint for how we can repeat this model throughout the country."