LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The Nevada Department of Transportation received a $3 billion federal grant to support the construction of the Brightline West rail Thursday.
According to a press release from the Federal Railroad Administration, the grant will help bring the rail system “to life” and offer a “fast, efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to road and air travel.”
“This is a historic commitment that will jumpstart the high-speed rail industry in America, creating thousands of jobs all across the country,” said Michael Reininger, CEO of Brightline. “Brightline West will be American made and American built and will serve as the blueprint for connecting city pairs that are too close to fly but too far to drive.”
The rail project is expected to create over 35,000 jobs, including over 10,000 union construction jobs. Then, once the rail is running, 1,000 jobs will help operate and maintain it.
The zero-emission, fully electric rail also promises to reduce traffic congestion on Interstate 15, remove over 3 million cars from roadways, and eliminate more than 400,000 tons of emissions annually.
Officials note that the project is “on pace” to begin operations in 2028.
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