California High-Speed Rail Celebrates Addition of 10,000 Construction Jobs

Written by Kyra Senese, Managing Editor
image description
FRA Administrator Amit Bose
California High-Speed Rail Authority

The California High-Speed Rail Authority on Feb. 14 announced the creation of more than 10,000 construction jobs since the start of its high-speed rail construction.

“The success of this project is owed in large part to the hard-working women and men who are building the bridges, overpasses and structures that will carry the nation’s first high-speed trains,” said Authority CEO Brian Kelly. “These jobs are good-paying union jobs that have allowed individuals from all backgrounds to stay local and thrive. Their stories and personal commitment to the hard work keep us moving in the right direction. We are truly appreciative for their efforts.”

In collaboration with the local and State Building and Construction Trades Council and the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board, the authority said skilled laborers have joined the organization such as electricians, cement masons, steel workers, and others across five Central Valley counties. The majority of the positions created have gone to Central Valley residents and individuals from low-income communities, the authority said.

“Ten thousand jobs created is one of many milestones to come on this historic project, and the Federal Railroad Administration remains committed to strengthening state partnerships to advance even more progress and deliver the passenger rail benefits people want and deserve,” said Administrator Amit Bose. “Today is an opportunity to celebrate jobs and what these jobs are creating. High-speed rail will revolutionize travel in California and contribute to a greener future, resulting in less congestion on our roads and at our airports.”

Typically, the authority said more than 1,000 workers are dispatched to a high-speed rail construction site. Workers from Fresno County have taken 3,367 positions, 1,891 come from Kern County, 1,007 from Tulare County, 430 from Madera County, and 367 from Kings County in the Central Valley.

California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin said the California high-speed rail project is creating well-paying trade careers that will help foster growth throughout the Central Valley region for years to come. 

“I have personally met with the women and men building this transformative project, and the tremendous pride they feel is palpable,” Omishakin said. “Today is all about them, and it’s truly worth celebrating.”

California’s high-speed rail project is currently being designed and built over 171 miles. Tutor-Perini/Zachry/Parsons, Dragados-Flatiron/Joint Venture, and California Rail Builders have more than 30 active construction sites in the Central Valley, according to a release.

The high-speed rail project is expected to reach another milestone later this year with the completion of Construction Package 4, the southernmost section of initial construction.

Tags: , , , , ,

Media