California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudri applauded state leaders' agreement to reauthorize the Cap-and-Invest program, securing a commitment of $1 billion for the project annually through 2045, the largest guaranteed infusion of funding for California's high-speed rail program to date. 

"I am grateful to Governor Newsom, our legislative leaders, and allies across the state and the nation — including those in the labor community — whose partnership and resolve helped make this possible," Choudri said in a release.

Work continues daily on the high-speed rail project, with 171 miles currently under design and construction from Merced to Bakersfield. Nearly 70 miles of guideway are complete, along with 58 fully completed structures; an additional 29 more structures are underway across Madera, Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties.

"This funding agreement resolves all identified funding gaps for the Early Operating Segment in the Central Valley and opens the door for meaningful public-private engagement with the program," Choudri said. "As we move forward, I am greatly encouraged by commitments to continue productive discussions with the Administration and the Legislature to put in place statutory and regulatory enhancements that accelerate construction and give greater certainty on time and schedule for segment delivery. And we must also work toward securing the long-term funding — beyond today's commitment — that can bring high-speed rail to California's population centers, where ridership and revenue growth will in turn support future expansions."

The project continues to advance statewide, with 463 miles of the 494-mile San Francisco to Los Angeles/Anaheim system fully environmentally cleared and construction ready.

Since construction began, the project has created over 15,800 jobs, with the majority filled by Central Valley residents. Up to 1,700 workers report to high-speed rail construction sites each day.