A $3 billion grant from the federal government means construction can begin on a long-awaited high-speed railway between Las Vegas and Southern California.
Nevada’s Congressional Democrats are hailing Tuesday's announcement as a “game changer” for the state.
Brightline West will receive $3 billion in federal funds secured under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed by Congress in 2021.
The money is about a third of the total estimated cost to build the high-speed rail line between Las Vegas and Rancho Cucamonga.
But, the cash infusion gives the company enough capital to break ground and begin construction on the 265 miles of track.
Nevada Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen serves as the Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Tourism. She said the line would offer tourists a much more comfortable way to travel.
“Visitors to our state will have the ability to get on the train, enjoy a cocktail, enjoy a meal, all while traveling directly and quickly to Las Vegas. Doesn’t that sound a whole lot better than the current option of sitting in traffic for several hours on the I-15?”
Congressional Democrats say the project will create 35,000 of union jobs, reduce carbon emissions and cut travel times between Los Angeles and Las Vegas to a little over two hours.
The company says its goal is to open in time for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
An official announcement will take place Friday when President Biden visits Las Vegas.
