California drops lawsuit over federal funds for high-speed rail project | AP News
Summary
California has withdrawn its lawsuit against the Trump administration after the U.S. Transportation Department cut $4 billion in funding for the state’s high-speed rail project, intended to connect San Francisco and Los Angeles. The Trump administration had argued the California High-Speed Rail Authority lacked a viable plan for completing the project, particularly a segment in the Central Valley, with President Trump calling it a “train to nowhere.” Governor Gavin Newsom initially labeled the federal decision a “political stunt.” The rail authority will now focus on securing private investment and utilizing state funding, including $1 billion annually from the state’s cap-and-trade program through 2045, to continue the project, estimated to cost over $100 billion. Officials believe moving forward without federal involvement will allow them to implement best practices from successful high-speed rail systems globally.
(Source:Apnews)