Train to Vegas gets green light from feds

VICTORVILLE • The DesertXpress train from Victorville to Las Vegas has received final environmental clearance from the federal government, putting it on track to become the first high-speed rail line in the country.

Developers of the private project now need federal approval of their financing plan for the $6 billion train, which includes an application for a $4.9 billion loan through the Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing program.

Though that financial analysis is in the hands of the Federal Railroad Administration, Lee Haney, spokeswoman for DesertXpress, said Wednesday that developers are optimistic plans will be approved. The team then expects to begin final design on the dedicated rail line alongside Interstate 15 this year and start construction “shortly thereafter,” Haney said.

That means passengers could be paying $50 to board the luxury trains by early 2015, making the 190-mile trip to Las Vegas in roughly 80 minutes.

The Department of Transportation issued its Record of Decision on Tuesday, which was the final step of the Environmental Impact Statement process that’s been underway since 2006.

Once construction begins, forecasts indicate DesertXpress will create roughly 50,000 jobs in San Bernardino County and 32,000 jobs in Clark County, Nev.

Brooke Edwards may be reached at (760) 955-5358 or at bedwards@VVDailyPress.com.

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