FRA Instructed to Cut More Funding From California's High-Speed Rail
The Federal Railroad Administration has been directed to withdraw $175 million from four California High-Speed Rail projects as federal officials raise concerns over the multibillion-dollar rail effort.
California's High-Speed Rail project faces new funding cuts after the FRA withdrew $175 million from four planned projects, including grade separations and station work.
Photo: CHSRA
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) withdrew funding for four projects related to California's High-Speed Rail project. The decision aims to save over $175 million in funds.
"My department will focus on [...] investing in well-managed projects that can make projects like high-speed rail a reality," Duffy said.
According to a USDOT release, approximately $15 billion has been spent on California's High-Speed Rail out of the $135 billion projected total cost of the project. Secretary Duffy has also directed the FRA to review all obligated grants related to the California High-Speed Rail Project.
Four High-Speed Rail Projects Lose Federal Funding
In July this year, Duffy announced that the FRA terminated $4 billion in FRA grant funding to the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) after an extensive, 315-page report noting issues with the project, including that CHSRA would not complete the Merced to Bakersfield line by 2033.
After reviewing projects related to the California High-Speed Rail Project, the FRA has determined that advancing these selections is not justified and will withdraw the following four projects totaling approximately $175 million:
Le Grand Overcrossing Project on the Merced Extension (CHSRA; $89,645,961).
Southern San Jose Grade Separations (Monterey Rd) (City of San Jose; $7,500,000).
DTX Final Design for Track and Rail Systems Project (Transbay Joint Powers Authority; $24,655,000).
Madera High-Speed Rail Station Project (California Department of Transportation; $54,530,000).
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