A conceptual rendering of the Fresno high-speed rail station via CHSRA

Rep. Jim Costa (D-Fresno) helped secure a $3.1 billion federal grant announced Tuesday that will help the California High-Speed Rail Authority advance rail projects in communities including Hanford, Fresno, Madera, Selma and more.

The money comes through the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

In April, Costa along with Sen. Alex Padilla, the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein, and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi led 28 California lawmakers in calling on the Department of Transportation to issue these grants to the California High-Speed Rail Authority.

The $3.1 billion in funding for the California High-Speed Rail Authority will support activities including final design and right-of-way acquisition for the Merced extension from Madera to Merced; Bakersfield extension from Poplar Avenue in Shafter to Bakersfield; design and construction of the Fresno station; design and procurement of trainsets and design and construction of trainset facilities.

Earlier this year, Costa announced over $200 million in grants for the California High-Speed Rail Authority through the Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Grant Program.

“For decades, I’ve worked to make California’s high-speed rail system a reality. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law I helped pass; we now have significant investment to make major progress. I worked to secure this $3 billion federal grant to ensure continued economic growth and investments in California’s San Joaquin Valley. I want to thank President Biden, Governor Newsom, and our partners. We still have much more work to be done.” said Rep. Costa.

Another $3 billion in federal funding was also announced for a private operator’s plans for high-speed rail service between Los Angeles and Las Vegas by 2028.