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The Federal Railroad Administration has obligated an additional $179 million in High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail (HSIPR) program funds to California to kick-start new track construction, a rolling stock purchase and a high-tech signal system installation, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced yesterday.

The California High-Speed Rail Authority will receive $86.4 million for the Central Valley project. The funds will be used to extend construction on a 110-mile segment an additional 20 miles to Merced and Bakersfield.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will receive $68 million to purchase new trains for intercity routes. The state will work with midwestern and Pacific northwestern states on a multi-state procurement to purchase new locomotives and rail cars. Combined with a previously awarded $100 million HSIPR grant, Caltrans will purchase six locomotives and 40 passenger cars.

The agency also will receive $24.9 million to install positive train control technology on the Pacific Surfliner route between San Onofre and San Diego.

To date, FRA has obligated more than $6.5 billion in HSIPR program funds to dozens of states.