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).