USDOT Secretary Announces Review of California High-Speed Rail Project

At the direction of U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, FRA initiated a review of the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) Feb. 20. This review will help determine whether roughly $4 billion in taxpayer money should remain committed to the project to build high-speed rail in the California Central Valley between Merced and Bakersfield.

“We welcome this investigation and the opportunity to work with our federal partners,” said CHSRA CEO Ian Choudry. “With multiple independent federal and state audits completed, every dollar is accounted for, and we stand by the progress and impact of this project. California’s high-speed rail is 171 miles under active construction, with over 50 major structures completed, 14,700 jobs created, and more than 880 small businesses engaged. This investment has already generated $22 billion in economic impact, primarily benefiting the Central Valley.”