Overview
- New CEO Ian Choudri is advocating a $1 billion annual commitment from state cap-and-trade funds.
- He intends to use that stable funding floor to lure private equity investment for completing the Merced-to-Bakersfield stretch.
- Construction continues on 119 Central Valley miles even after President Trump threatened to withdraw $4 billion in federal grants.
- Lawmakers and transit advocates are challenging the redirection of cap-and-trade revenues set to expire in 2030.
- With the project’s price tag now at roughly $128 billion, officials hope combining public funds and private capital will sustain progress toward a future San Francisco–Los Angeles connection.