Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced a $3 billion federal investment by the Department of Transportation (DoT) in the Inland Empire for the Brightline West all-electric, high-speed rail system connecting Rancho Cucamonga and Las Vegas.

This project is a public-private partnership with Brightline, who will provide the necessary non-Federal match, and is estimated to create 35,000 good-paying, union jobs, remove three million cars from I-15 annually and lower carbon emissions by more than 400,000 tons each year.

“I’m thrilled to see this new investment in the Inland Empire as we continue to work to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and grow the local economy. This new rail system will help relieve traffic congestion for folks commuting to work, help small businesses by boosting our tourism industry and strengthen our economy overall,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “We need more projects like this in our community and I’ll continue to advocate for more infrastructure funding in Congress.”

“We appreciate the support of Representative Aguilar and our entire Congressional delegation in securing this critical funding on behalf of the Brightline West project. This high-speed rail system will be a significant economic driver for San Bernardino County, while improving connectivity and reducing congestion between here and Las Vegas. It also will provide an efficient, sustainable transit solution through the Cajon Pass, which opens up new business employment and housing opportunities between the High Desert and East and West Valleys,” said Dawn Rowe, President of the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority Board of Directors and Chair of the County Board of Supervisors.

This funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Rep. Aguilar helped pass into law. To date, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has delivered $17.8 billion to California for roads, bridges, roadway safety and major projects.

Rep. Aguilar serves as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and is a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.