CHSRA applies for $1.3B in federal grant funds

The California High-Speed Rail Authority yesterday announced it submitted two applications seeking a total $1.3 billion in federal funds under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

Combined, the applications seek funding for the following projects:

• construction of the second track for the initial operating segment between Merced and Bakersfield, beginning with the two tracks on the first 119 miles being built in the Central Valley;
• advancement of design work for the extensions to Merced and Bakersfield;
• station development in Fresno and Kings/Tulare;
• purchase of six fully electric train sets capable of speeds in excess of 200 mph; and
• acceleration of the next phase of design for two segments into the Bay Area (Merced-San Jose and San Jose-San Francisco) and into Southern California (Bakersfield-Palmdale and Burbank-Los Angeles).

More than 40 letters of support accompanied the grant applications, including those from U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), California Gov. Gavin Newsom, state legislators, union leaders and members of the transportation industry, CHSRA officials said in a press release.

If awarded, the U.S. Department of Transportation would accelerate the building of the country’s first electrified high-speed passenger-rail system. The funds would also advance design on crucial segments in all parts of California that cleared environmental processes in 2021.

"California is the home of innovation, and we are committed to advancing this very innovative project to improve our economy, advance clean mobility and expand economic opportunity for all," said Newsom in his support letter.