Full Speed Ahead! Senator Dave Cortese Unveils Plan to Keep High-Speed Rail Project on Track

SACRAMENTO, CA – California State Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose), Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, introduced a package intended to keep the state’s High-Speed Rail project on time and on budget. As part of last year’s state budget, Senator Cortese and his colleagues secured a $1 billion investment in Cap-and-Invest funds each year for the next 20 years for the project. The proposed package aims to maximize limited financial resources while preserving trust and transparency among the public. 

“California’s High-Speed Rail project represents one of the most ambitious infrastructure investments in our state’s history—and with that comes a responsibility to the public to ensure transparency, accountability, and long-term success,” said Senator Dave Cortese. 

SB 1177 - Prioritizes California High-Speed Rail Project Accountability and Transparency 

SB 1177 strengthens oversight of the High-Speed Rail project by requiring key data and analyses to remain part of regular reports to the Legislature, ensuring continued transparency and accountability. SB 1177 was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee.

“SB 1177 strengthens legislative oversight by requiring consistent, detailed reporting on costs, timelines, and project delivery. By codifying key components of the Project Update Report (PUR), we are making sure critical information doesn’t disappear over time but instead remains available for lawmakers and the public to evaluate progress,” Cortese added. 

SB 1375 - San Jose Diridon Station CEQA Exemption

SB 1375 provides a targeted CEQA exemption for the Diridon Station Program in San José. The measure reflects the extensive environmental review already completed in the Diridon Station area and the project’s substantial environmental, mobility, housing, and economic benefits. SB 1375 was approved by the Environmental Quality Committee and is now referred to the Senate Transportation Committee. 

“Diridon Station is the future of transportation in Silicon Valley and a critical hub for California’s statewide rail network. 

SB 1375 recognizes that years of extensive environmental review have already been completed for the Diridon Station area. By providing a narrow, targeted CEQA exemption, we can avoid unnecessary delays and litigation while still upholding all other environmental protections,” Cortese added. 

SB 1425 – Supporting Infrastructure Development and Maintenance

SB 1425 authorizes the High-Speed Rail Authority to grant encroachment permits on rights-of-ways to promote regional development and bolster emergency management services. SB 1425 was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee. 

“Right now, the High-Speed Rail Authority lacks the authority to effectively regulate encroachments—leading to uncertainty, delays, and potential safety risks. This bill establishes a commonsense permitting process that allows appropriate use of these corridors while protecting the integrity and reliability of the system,” said Cortese. 

Senator Dave Cortese represents Senate District 15, which encompasses San Jose and much of Santa Clara County in the heart of Silicon Valley. Visit Senator Cortese’s website: https://sd15.senate.ca.gov

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