The high-speed train project that aims to establish a connection between Las Vegas and Southern California has been awarded a $25M grant specifically designated for the construction of two additional train stations.
The U.S. Transportation Department has recently announced the allocation of a grant for the design and construction of two Brightline West rail stations in Hesperia and Apple Valley, California. These stations will be located in the Victor Valley region as part of the ongoing transportation project.
According to Brightline, their $12 billion high-speed rail system is set to become the inaugural high-speed rail system in the United States, and the company asserts that it will bring extensive advantages to both Las Vegas and Southern California.
The proposed 218-mile system aims to establish a rail connection between Las Vegas and Southern California, utilizing a rail route constructed along the Interstate 15 corridor.
According to Brightline, economic studies show that the $25M Grant Award to Vegas High-Speed Train project will create more than 35,000 jobs including 10,000 union construction jobs and nearly 1,000 permanent jobs for operations and maintenance. The project is expected to generate more than $10 billion in economic impact to California and Nevada, Brightline said.
“I’m proud to have worked alongside our San Bernardino County Transportation Authority to secure funding through the Department of Transportation to support the final design and construction of Brightline rail stations in Hesperia and Victor Valley. This high-speed rail project will bring significant new economic activity into our community, boost local job availability, and help to alleviate traffic by linking the High Desert to Los Angeles and Las Vegas. I look forward to continuing to advocate for the completion of this project,” said Rep. Jay Obernolte.
Brightline notes in the release that in April, the company, along with the Nevada Department of Transportation, applied for $3.75 billion from the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program. The program, authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, makes funding available for projects that expand or establish new intercity passenger rail service.
Brightline has stated that the two stations in the Victor Valley area will offer high-speed rail service to downtown Los Angeles by connecting with Metrolink’s San Bernardino Commuter Rail Service. Additionally, the company has expressed its intentions to construct a station in Rancho Cucamonga, a stop along Metrolink’s San Bernardino Line that extends to Los Angeles.
The funding will be directed to the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA). Dr. Raymond Wolfe, the executive director of SBCTA, expressed that this grant will serve as a stepping stone towards securing larger awards pursued by Brightline. In a statement, Wolfe highlighted that the grant will establish a direct connection between the High Desert, Rancho Cucamonga, downtown Los Angeles, and the East Valley region, thereby reducing the dependence on personal vehicles for daily commuting, enhancing air quality, and bridging the gap between living and working spaces for numerous individuals.
Also read Brightline West, Los Angeles to Vegas High-Speed Rail
