$3 billion federal grant OK’d for Las Vegas-to-California high-speed rail

The federal government is backing a high-speed rail system connecting Southern California to Las Vegas with a $3 billion investment, Nevada Sen. Jacky Rosen announced Tuesday, Dec. 5.

In a news release, Rosen said the funding is part of the $1 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Joe Biden in November 2021.

Under development by Brightline West, the fully electric high-speed rail system is planned to stretch 218 miles along the 15 Freeway between Las Vegas and Rancho Cucamonga. The $12 billion project is expected to take 3 million cars off the freeway and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 400,000 tons annually, developers say. Rancho Cucamonga expects to see more than 11,000 passengers come through its Cucamonga Station each year.

In July, the Federal Rail Administration approved the environmental review and permits for the project, which includes a 49-mile stretch of rail between Rancho Cucamonga and the High Desert.

According to Rancho Cucamonga officials, construction of the project would support more than 11,000 jobs each year and bring $5 billion in spending to San Bernardino County, $300 million of it to the city.

City officials have said Brightline expects to break ground on the project by the end of 2023. The line is expected to be in operation by 2027 in time for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.