The high-speed rail line will connect Southern California and Las Vegas via a two-hour trip along Interstate 15.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) signed off on $3 billion in funding for the Brightline West high-speed rail project that will connect Las Vegas to the Los Angeles area, releasing the funding to the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) and keeping the project on track to begin construction in 2025.
As Greg Haas explains in NewsNation, “Initial estimates indicate the high-speed train project will cost $12 billion. The train will run on tracks in the median of Interstate 15 and serve four stations — Las Vegas, and three stations in California at Victor Valley, Hesperia and Rancho Cucamonga, where it will connect to existing Metrolink lines to Los Angeles.”
Brightline already operates a high-speed rail line in Florida connecting Orlando and Miami. The company expects to launch the Southern California-to-Vegas service in time for the 2028 Olympics, which Los Angeles is hosting. The trip will take roughly two hours, with trains traveling at top speeds of up to 200 miles per hour. “The train is expected to reduce traffic congestion on I-15, removing 3 million cars from roadways and eliminating more than 400,000 tons of emissions annually, according to Brightline.”
FULL STORY: High-speed train project chugs ahead as $3B funding gets OK

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.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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