LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A long-planned project that would connect Las Vegas and Southern California via high-speed railway gained $3 billion in funding, Democratic Nevada Sen. Jacky Rosen announced Tuesday.
The funding secured to begin construction of a 218-mile track that would connect Las Vegas to Southern California is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Rosen took credit for in a Tuesday news release, saying the efforts would “bolster tourism, create 35,000 good-paying jobs, ease traffic on Interstate-15, and reduce more than 400,000 tons of carbon emissions each year.”
The plan for a high-speed railway between Las Vegas and Southern California is decades old, and its history is filled with failed attempts to bring the project to fruition. With the announcement of the $3 billion in funding, high-speed rail seems to be another step closer to becoming a reality.
“This historic high-speed rail project will be a game changer for Nevada’s tourism economy and transportation,” Rosen said. “It’ll bring more visitors to our state, reduce traffic on the I-15, create thousands of good paying jobs, and decrease carbon emissions, all while relying on local union labor.”
The so-called “Brightline West” track includes stations in Rancho Cucamonga and Victor Valley, and in August it was reported that the project hinged on a $3.75 billion federal grant the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) applied for in April.
Rosen said she believed Brightline intended to open the new rail line before the 2028 Olympics, which will be held in Los Angeles.
Bill Hornbuckle, president and CEO of MGM Resorts International, released a statement about the new development in the ongoing high-speed rail project, saying in part, “This is a huge win for Las Vegas, our economy, and the travel and tourism industry. High-speed rail between Southern California and Las Vegas will play an important role in overall efforts to improve travel along the resort corridor,” Hornbuckle said.
Drivers hit the I-15 Tuesday, many said they were excited about the news that the 218-mile-long rail is becoming more of a reality.
So who knows, maybe we will have quick access between to the two states eventually!
I’ll cross my fingers, and you cross yours!
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