San Bernardino County officials gathered on Dec. 11 at the future site of the Brightline West high-speed rail project station in Rancho Cucamonga, days after the Biden Administration announced it would provide $3 billion to help pay for the project.
The funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which will provide electrified 200-mph rail service between Las Vegas and Rancho Cucamonga, will create more than 11,000 jobs and generate an estimated $5 billion in spending for the county, according to a statement.
Construction on the 218-mile project, which is expected to cost about $12 billion, could start as early as next year.
The gathering marked the federal funding announcement, “one of the largest public investments ever for a privately built transportation system,” according to the statement.
“We are thrilled to witness … this transformative project that connects our dynamic regions,” said Rancho Cucamonga Mayor L. Dennis Michael said in the statement. “This strategic investment infrastructure not only opens doors to jobs, economic growth, tourism, and commercial ventures but also enhances Southern California’s global connectivity.”