United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Government pulls federal funding for California high speed rail project
The Trump administration has pulled nearly $1 billion in funding for the proposed high-speed rail project in California.
The Federal Railroad Administration said it has pulled the $929 million funds which were agreed during the Obama administration.
California ‘repeatedly failed’ to meet the terms of the agreement, and had not made any ‘reasonable progress.’
The state plans to fight the decision.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom called it ‘political retribution’ by the government and ‘a direct assault on California.’
That’s a fair point considering California has become the White House’s principal antagonist.
The state has filed 50 lawsuits against the government since Trump came to power, and is promising it won’t be long before the 51st..
"This is California’s money, appropriated by Congress, and we will vigorously defend it in court," Newsom said.
The project was initially a huge multi-billion dollar project to link Los Angeles to San Francisco but was scaled back due to ballooning costs. Its budget was initially $13 billion but by March 2018 had jumped to $77 billion.
Instead a 119 mile line was proposed linking Merced and Bakersfield in the Central Valley.
The government is also trying to claw back $2.5 billion it says California has already spent on the project.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
British Airways passengers endure 11-hour 'flight to nowhere'
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’
Gatwick braces for strike