In brief
The Trump administration is moving to redistribute $2.4 billion in federal funds initially allocated for California's high-speed rail project as part of a new $5 billion rail funding initiative. The new program, which emphasizes safety and excludes prior diversity and climate change requirements, is set to prioritize projects serving families and addressing dangerous railroad crossings. California officials are challenging this decision and aiming to retain the funding for their rail project amid ongoing litigation.
The Trump administration wants to redistribute $2.4 billion it pulled from California’s high-speed rail project as part of a new $5 billion program announced Monday to fund rail projects to boost passenger rail traffic nationwide.
The new program’s rules for states and others wanting to participate remove any mention of diversity or climate change dating back to the Biden administration. The new program will prioritize projects in areas with higher rates of birth and marriage along with enhancing safety at railroad crossings.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized the previous administration's requirements, stating, “Our new National Railroad Partnership Program will emphasize safety – our number one priority – without radical ... DEI and green grant requirements. Instead of wasting dollars on Governor Newsom’s high-speed rail boondoggle, these targeted investments will improve the lives of rail passengers, local drivers, and pedestrians.”
The largest portion of this new funding stems from the $4 billion that was initially allocated to the California project. The remainder is part of last year’s announcement and this year’s budget.
California officials have objected to the attempt to redirect this funding, claiming it should rightfully go towards their high-speed rail project. They have already filed lawsuits challenging the Trump administration's decision to withdraw federal support for the rail project.
Micah Flores, spokesman for the California High-Speed Rail Authority, commented, “The FRA’s decision to terminate federal funding for California high-speed rail was unlawful, unwarranted, and is being challenged in federal court. Now, their attempt to redirect a portion of that funding, currently the subject of litigation, is premature.”
The Federal Railroad Administration has highlighted the need to address railroad crossings, noting that over 200 fatalities occur annually when trains collide with vehicles or pedestrians at these crossings. Although the primary focus is to enhance passenger rail, some of the funding will likely benefit major freight railroads since Amtrak relies on their tracks for many long-distance routes.
The administration also plans to prioritize improvements that enhance travel experiences for families by adding amenities like nursing areas and expanded waiting zones in train stations. Applications for this funding are due by January 7.
