NEWS RELEASE: California High-Speed Rail Welcomes Sen. Alex Padilla, Rep. Jim Costa to Central Valley Construction

July 16, 2021

Sacramento, Calif. – Today, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) welcomed United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Representative Jim Costa (D-Calif.) to high-speed rail construction during a trip through the Central Valley.

Sen. Padilla and Rep. Costa toured the San Joaquin River Viaduct and Pergola — an award-winning structure spanning the San Joaquin River in north Fresno and the Union Pacific tracks parallel to State Route 99.  As construction progresses along the high-speed rail corridor, this recently completed structure endures as one of the most recognizable portions of the country’s only high-speed rail system currently under construction.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to update Senator Padilla and Congressman Costa on the progress we’re making in California,” said Authority Chairman Tom Richards, who was on site for the visit. “Their support and vision are crucial to the success of clean, electrified high-speed rail here in California and across the nation.”

The significance of the project, local economic impact and need for federal funding were among topics discussed by Sen. Padilla and Rep. Costa when talking to labor representatives, small business owners and regional economic development leads today.

The Authority’s high-speed rail system will connect San Francisco to Los Angeles/Anaheim. The project is currently under active construction in the Central Valley along 119 miles at 35 different construction sites with an average of 1,100 workers daily. For more on construction progress visit www.buildhsr.com.