The Brightline West line will break ground this year.

The Brightline West high-speed rail project is moving along, well, speedily with the recent approval of another $2.5 billion in “private activity bonds” financing. As an article for KTNV explains, “The DOT previously approved a $1 billion bond in 2020 to Brightline, a $3 billion grant in December 2023 to Nevada DOT, and a $25 million grant to the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority.”
The 218-mile rail line will be fully electric and connect Las Vegas to a transit center in Rancho Cucamonga, California, where riders can connect to other Southern California train systems. According to Brightline Founder and Chairman Wes Edens, “Connecting Las Vegas and Southern California will provide wide-spread public benefits to both states, creating thousands of jobs and jumpstarting a new level of economic competitiveness for the region.”
The project is expected to break ground early this year, with much of the line using existing right-of-way on Interstate 15.
FULL STORY: U.S. Department of Transportation announces $2.5 billion in private funding for Brightline West rail project

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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