California Abandons Lawsuit Over Federal High-Speed Rail Funds

The state is taking a new approach to its high-speed rail project, saying the federal government is not a “reliable, constructive, or trustworthy partner.”

1 minute read

December 28, 2025, 9:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Worker in orange safety jacket working on California high-speed rail infrastructure.

California High-Speed Rail Authority /

Just weeks after filing a lawsuit against the Federal Railroad Administration over funds for the California high-speed rail project, California is retracting the suit, saying “it can no longer rely on the federal government to help deliver the system.”

According to reporting by Maxwell Adler for Bloomberg, California has opted to pursue other funding sources for the project, saying “the federal government is not a reliable, constructive, or trustworthy partner in advancing high-speed rail in California.” The California High-Speed Rail Authority issued a request for qualifications to select a private co-development partner. “The authority framed the move as an opportunity to streamline construction.”

Friday, December 26, 2025 in The Mercury News

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