On April 22nd, the Transportation Secretary, along with other officials, participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for America’s upcoming high-speed railway.
“I firmly believe that once Americans have the opportunity to experience high-speed rail within the United States, they will be hooked and will demand its expansion throughout the country,” stated Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg during an interview with CNBC on Monday.
Brightline West is set to open its railway, including a Florida route, by 2028. This innovative transportation system will cover a distance of 218 miles, connecting Las Vegas in Nevada to Los Angeles in California. With a top speed of 200 miles per hour, passengers can expect a swift and efficient journey.
The United States is set to witness its first true high-speed rail system, which aims to be operational in time for the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. This groundbreaking transportation project promises to reduce travel time by half, ensuring that passengers reach their destinations in just two hours.
President Joe Biden’s 2021 bipartisan infrastructure bill has allocated funding for the high-speed rail system project between Nevada and California. The project received $3 billion in federal funds, which were announced by President Biden in December. This significant investment aims to fast track the development of the rail system, facilitating efficient transportation between the two states.
Brightline announced that while the rest of the project will rely on private funding, they anticipate a significant economic impact of over $10 billion and the creation of more than 35,000 new jobs during construction in both states.
Back in 2012, during the Obama administration, there were discussions about the potential for a high-speed railway in California. The goal was to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce emissions by providing a reliable transportation option for over 11 million passengers annually. In December, President Biden highlighted the positive impact this high-speed line could have on the region.
The groundbreaking day received high praise from a Transport Workers Union official.
“The unveiling of this critical infrastructure project is a proud moment for the Transport Workers Union. It is set to revolutionize the way people travel and create numerous well-paying job opportunities,” expressed International President John Samuelsen in a statement.
The Brightline West project has officially commenced as the ground has been “broken.” According to Wes Edens, significant construction work is expected to begin in late summer or early fall. Mick Akers shared the exciting news on Twitter along with the hashtags #vegas, #socal, #brightlinewest, and #highspeedrail. (Source: Mick Akers, Twitter)
According to the speaker, investments in major infrastructure projects like Brightline West not only serve as a means of transportation but also create employment opportunities, offering hardworking Americans a path to economic stability.
On social media, Buttigieg expressed his excitement for the day, calling it a significant milestone in the development of American rail and the accompanying job opportunities.
The Transportation Department stated online that America has not prioritized passenger rail investment like other countries have for many years.
They announced that today marks the beginning of construction on Brightline West.
“This project aims to bolster Nevada’s tourism economy and generate well-paying union jobs,” emphasized Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen, a Democrat, in a post on X.
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, a fellow Democrat from Nevada, expressed her agreement with Senator Rosen regarding the importance of bolstering the state’s tourism industry and generating well-paying union jobs. In a post on social media, she stated, “That’s exactly what Brightline West will bring to our state.”
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Speaker Steve Yeager, a Democrat and Nevada’s state Assembly speaker, emphasized the positive impact of the project. He highlighted the creation of union jobs, the potential for reduced traffic and air pollution, and an overall improved travel experience. Yeager referred to the ceremony as a lively and well-attended event, describing it as a “packed house.”
