California bullet train: Where the high-speed rail project stands now

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KABC) — State lawmakers and business leaders Monday gave key updates on California’s high-speed rail project.

Funding for a portion of California’s high-speed rail was initially approved by voters in 2008. The project is now significantly delayed – and more expensive.

The initial price tag was $33 billion. But according to estimates, it now could cost up to $128 billion to get it finished.

A total of $87 billion of that would link Palmdale to Gilroy, south of San Jose. But as it stands, that portion wouldn’t be ready until 2038.

The only construction that’s underway is a stretch in the Central Valley.

On Monday, state transportation leaders held a news conference to provide key updates and to garner support for a new Senate bill designed to create new funding sources.

“This is how we grow our economy and cut pollution at the same time,” said state Sen. Dave Cortese, who chairs the Senate Transportation Committee.

“A majority of voters continue to support this project,” Cortese said. “We know that – with support even higher among younger generations who see this as part of their future. Why wouldn’t they?”

Cortese believes SB 545 would help secure opportunities for major residential and commercial development along the high-speed rail corridor.

Last month, the Trump administration said it was pulling $4 billion in funding from the project. The High Speed Rail Authority quickly sued to try to get that funding restored. That legal process in ongoing.

President Donald Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy have slammed the project as a “train to nowhere.”