High Speed Rail Extension

California’s high speed rail project has received an extension from the federal government related to putting up state dollars to match federal grants.

The Governor has proposed using $250 million from state money set aside to combat greenhouse gas emissions, but it still needs approval from the state legislature. The Federal Railroad Administration has given the state three additional months to set aside the funding, moving the deadline from April to July.

California has spent around $95 million in state money on planning for the project, and nearly $250 million in federal grant money. The state’s high speed rail authority is hoping that the estimated $68 billion project will start this summer. It has been delayed due to lawsuits, and challenges in acquiring needed property in the Central Valley.