Pete Buttigieg Secretary of Transportation | Official website
Secretary Buttigieg and other administration officials, along with various dignitaries, gathered in Las Vegas for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Brightline West High-Speed Rail Project. The project, a 218-mile high-speed rail line between Las Vegas, Nevada, and Rancho Cucamonga, California, is set to become one of the greenest forms of transportation in America, operating as a fully electric, zero-emission system and expected to open in 2028.
At the event, Secretary Buttigieg expressed gratitude towards all those involved in making the high-speed rail project a reality, stating, "People have been dreaming of high-speed rail in the U.S. for decades... it’s happening." He also highlighted the significant job creation aspect of the project, noting, "10,000 construction jobs, and then 1,000 permanent jobs to maintain and operate the train line."
The groundbreaking ceremony was a symbol of progress and unity, with Secretary Buttigieg acknowledging the collective effort that went into the project, including the support from President Biden, state partners, organized labor, and private sector leaders. He emphasized the importance of creating good-paying union jobs and building livelihoods for the workers involved.
Reflecting on the broader impact of the high-speed rail project, Secretary Buttigieg shared his vision of a future where Americans have access to efficient and sustainable transportation options. He highlighted the positive environmental and economic effects of the rail line, including job creation, reduced congestion, and lower carbon emissions.
In his closing remarks, Secretary Buttigieg underscored the historical significance of the Brightline West High-Speed Rail Project, stating, "Thank you for helping bring that vision to life because we are making history today. Let's go build that railroad."
The groundbreaking ceremony marked a significant milestone in the development of high-speed rail infrastructure in the United States, aligning with President Biden's commitment to investing in modernizing transportation and creating opportunities for American workers.
