The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded the California High-Speed Rail Authority a $25 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grant.
The funding will go toward the $41 million Madera to Merced project, advancing the electrified high-speed rail project beyond the 119 miles currently under construction and into downtown Merced.
“This grant is vital for the authority to advance its initial electrified service between downtown Merced and Bakersfield,” Brian Kelly, authority CEO, said. “It reflects the strong state-federal partnership now in place to see the nation’s first true high-speed rail service commence right here in California. Next week, our Board will consider awarding the contract to advance the design work for this transformative project.”
In addition, the authority is seeking $1.3 billion in federal funding to double-track the 119 miles currently under construction. Funding also would purchase electric trains capable of speeds over 200 miles per hour.
The U.S. Department of Transportation also awarded the authority a $24 million grant in November 2021 for safety, efficiency, and construction projects in and around the City of Wasco and State Route 46.
The project will build safe, multimodal connectivity projects around Wasco in preparation for future high-speed rail service.