California Democrats urge feds to approve high-speed rail funding before DOGE nixes ‘boondoggle’
Several prominent California Democrats are pushing for approval of a grant application for $536 million in federal funds to advance the state’s long-awaited high-speed rail network. The funds are part of the federal-state partnership for intercity passenger rail grants established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 and made available through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024.
The California Phase I Corridor is crucial for enhancing the nation’s and California’s transportation network investments, according to the Democrats urging Secretary Pete Buttigieg to approve the funds. The project aims to address climate concerns, promote health, improve access and connectivity, boost economic vitality, and alleviate current highway and rail capacity constraints.
Sen.-elect Adam Schiff, Sen. Alex Padilla, and California Democratic Reps. Jim Costa, Zoe Lofgren, and Pete Aguilar drafted a letter advocating for the funds to be allocated to two specific projects: tunneling through the Tehachapi Mountains in Southern California and through the Pacheco Pass of the Diablo Mountains in Northern California. These investments are expected to create living wage jobs, provide small business opportunities, and enhance the mobility of communities in need while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The lawmakers emphasized the importance of connecting the high-speed rail system with other intercity passenger rail systems like Brightline West, CalTrain, Metrolink, and Altamont Commuter Express. However, California Republicans argue that the overall high-speed rail project is significantly over budget and behind schedule.
Critics, including Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, have questioned the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the project. Musk previously proposed the concept of a “hyperloop” as an alternative to the traditional high-speed rail system, citing concerns about the proposed rail system’s speed and cost.
Despite the opposition, California Democrats are determined to move forward with the high-speed rail project and secure the necessary funding to complete the Phase I Corridor. If approved, the federal funds will be supplemented by $134 million in state funds from California’s “cap & trade” program.
In conclusion, the debate over California’s high-speed rail project continues, with Democrats pushing for federal funding to advance the initiative while facing criticism from Republicans and industry leaders. The future of the project remains uncertain, but proponents are hopeful that the high-speed rail network will ultimately benefit the state and its residents.
