Lawmaker proposes new funding plan for California’s high-speed rail project

California State Senator Dave Cortese (D-Santa Clara) has introduced a bill to secure long-term funding for California’s high-speed rail project, which has faced significant delays and financial challenges.

The bullet train project, originally estimated to cost $33 billion, now has a projected total cost of $128 billion. The Trump administration recently withdrew $4 billion in federal funding, exacerbating the project’s financial woes.

In response, Governor Gavin Newsom allocated $1 billion annually to support the project.

Senator Cortese’s bill aims to establish a steady funding stream through public and private partnerships. This approach is intended to mitigate the financial uncertainty that has plagued the project.

The High-Speed Rail Authority anticipates that the rail line, connecting Los Angeles to San Francisco, could be completed by 2039.

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