The Center Square was launched in May 2019 to fulfill the need for high-quality statehouse and statewide news across the United States. The focus of our work is state- and local-level government and economic reporting. A taxpayer sensibility distinguishes our work from other coverage of state and local issues.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority has responded to the Federal Rail Authority’s plan to terminate $4 billion in federal funding for the Los Angeles-to-San Francisco high speed rail project.
Much of the funding for Sound Transit’s projects, including ST3, has come from federal grants. In the past seven years, it has secured a total of $3.8 billion, with $9 billion expected in future grants for ST3.
As California’s high speed rail project lays its first tracks after spending billions of dollars since 2006, Washington officials are already looking at lessons to be learned on how to avoid a similar outcome as they work on their own multi-state, multi-national bullet train.
The California inspector general tasked with reviewing the state’s high speed rail program issued a new report stating the first segment is likely to be more than three years behind schedule and faces a $6.5 billion funding gap.
Two years to the day after a Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, causing a toxic chemical burn and concerns over two states, more lawsuits have been filed.
Shovels hit the dirt in Mobile in October, marking the long-anticipated revival of passenger rail service between Mobile and New Orleans. According to the Southern Rail Commission, service will begin in spring of 2025.
Nearly 20 months after a Norfolk Southern train derailment pushed the small eastern Ohio community of East Palestine into the national spotlight, a federal judge approved a $600 million settlement.
New Jersey Transit is offering free rides on its trains and buses this week as the embattled agency struggles to regain public confidence amid chronic delays and service disruptions.