METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

FRA cancels $928M California high-speed rail grant

The FRA added it continues to consider all options regarding the return of $2.5 billion in ARRA funds awarded to CHSRA.

by Alex Roman, Managing Editor
May 17, 2019
FRA cancels $928M California high-speed rail grant

In February, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced plans to scale back the project.

California High-Speed Rail Authority

2 min to read


In February, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced plans to scale back the project.

California High-Speed Rail Authority

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) terminated its Cooperative Agreement with the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) by de-obligating more than $928 million for the project.

“FRA finds that CHSRA has repeatedly failed to comply with the terms of the FY10 Agreement and has failed to make reasonable progress on the Project,” the agency said in a statement. “Additionally, California has abandoned its original vision of a high-speed passenger rail service connecting San Francisco and Los Angeles, which was essential to its applications for FRA grant funding.”

Ad Loading...

The FRA added it continues to consider all options regarding the return of $2.5 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds awarded to CHSRA.

In February, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced plans to scale back the project, calling for the authority to focus on building only the Central Valley segment of the planned San Francisco to Los Angeles train.

Newsom added that abandoning the project entirely would mean the state will have wasted billions of dollars with nothing but broken promises and lawsuits to show for it, and wasn’t “interested in sending $3.5 billion in federal funding that was allocated to this project back to Donald Trump.”

The decision also comes after a letter from CHSRA CEO Brian Kelly asking the Administration to rethink its plan, calling the plan to take away the money “disastrous policy.”

Several news outlets, including The Washington Post, reported that Newsom called the Trump Administration's final decision an illegal and a direct assault on California and the thousands of workers building the project.

Ad Loading...

"Just as we have seen from the Trump Administration's attacks on our clean air standards, our immigrant communities, and in countless other areas, the Trump Administration is trying to exact political retribution on our state," Newsom said in a statement. "This is California's money, appropriated by Congress, and we will vigorously defend it in court."


More Management

Austin Light Rail rendering from UT perspective
Rail•by Alex Roman•October 30, 2026

Bringing Austin’s First Light Rail System to Life

Austin Transit Partnership CEO Greg Canally discusses the city's nearly 10-mile light rail project, its collaborative approach to project delivery, the importance of community engagement, and the milestones ahead as construction approaches in 2027.

Read More →
Technology•October 30, 2026

ETA CEO John Maglio on Transit Technology, Innovation, and Building Agency Trust

ETA founder and CEO John Maglio explores the evolution of transit technology, the importance of reliable systems, and how stronger partnerships can help agencies improve operations and the passenger experience.

Read More →
Two Metra locomotives on rail tracks.
Rail•by Alex Roman•October 29, 2026

Metra Draft Plan Outlines Costs, Service Improvements for Regional Rail

The Systemwide Network Plan identifies infrastructure needs and potential investments to expand all-day, bidirectional rail service across the Chicago region.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Justin Augustine III, CEO for New Orleans RTA
Management•by Alex Roman•October 29, 2026

New Orleans RTA Names Augustine III as New CEO

In this edition, we also spotlight recent personnel moves at HDR, PATH, STV, and more, highlighting the people taking on new roles across the transportation industry.

Read More →
A ballot drop-off box marked “Vote” stands in the foreground at a transit station, with public transit buses visible in the background.
Management•by Elora Haynes•October 28, 2026

How Transit Agencies Are Using Free Rides to Improve Voting Access

Transit agencies are using fare-free service, trip-planning tools, and targeted rides to improve voting access. See what other agencies can learn from these efforts.

Read More →
A Caltrain electric railcar on the tracks
Rail•by Alex Roman•October 27, 2026

Caltrain’s Electrification Drives a New Era of Ridership Growth

The railroad’s shift to electric service has brought more frequent trains, stronger customer satisfaction, and increased ridership, earning it APTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation System award.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
METRO Magazine graphic featuring a Chicago Transit Authority bus at a transit station with the headline “Chicago, Charlotte Transit Agencies Expand Rider Support Programs.”
Management•by Elora Haynes•October 27, 2026

Chicago, Charlotte Transit Agencies Expand Rider Support Programs

CTA launched crisis intervention teams as CATS prepares to deploy fare ambassadors, expanding customer assistance and security efforts across both systems.

Read More →
An A line MTA subway car near the soon to be replaced signaling system.
Rail•by Staff and News Reports•October 23, 2026

New York MTA Launches Historic $1.9B Signal, Track Modernization Project

Funded in part by congestion pricing revenue, the project will replace nearly century-old signals along the A and C lines in Brooklyn and Queens.

Read More →
Turning Transportation Challenges into Opportunities
Management•by Alex Roman•October 22, 2026

Brian Dickson on Building Stronger, More Resilient Transportation Organizations

Bus Business Consultants Founder Brian Dickson discusses the leadership principles, operational discipline, and strategic planning that separate transportation companies positioned for long-term success from those stuck in survival mode.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Groundbreaking ceremony for LA Metro's Vermont Transit Corridor BRT
Bus•by Staff and News Reports•October 22, 2026

LA Metro Breaks Ground on Vermont BRT Project

The 12.4-mile corridor is projected to serve 66,200 daily riders, reduce travel times by up to 24%, and create the nation's busiest bus rapid transit corridor.

Read More →