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9/22/2025
U.S. High Speed Rail (USHSR) officials last week commended California Gov. Gavin Newsom for signing legislation that approves funding of $1 billion annually for 20 years for California’s bullet train project.
The California State Legislature earlier this month approved the long-term funding for high-speed rail by reauthorizing Cap-and-Invest pollution credits program. The funding for high-speed rail will enable the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) to complete the project's first leg in the Central Valley.
"[Newsom] fully understands how important high-speed rail is to the future of California and the nation," said USHSR CEO Andy Kunz in a press release. USHSR acts to mobilize labor organizations, designers, builders, suppliers, project owners and public agencies to advocate for investments to advance high-speed rail service in the United States.
Work continues daily on the high-speed rail project, with 171 miles now under design and construction from Merced to Bakersfield. Nearly 70 miles of guideway are complete, along with 58 fully completed structures; an additional 29 structures are underway across Madera, Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties, according to the CHSRA.
The new state funding for the project follows the Trump administration's announcement in July that it will revoke $4 billion in unspent federal funding for the California project, which President Trump calls a "boondoggle."