LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The cost of the high-speed electric train connecting Las Vegas to the Los Angeles area just went up, now at an estimated $21.5 billion, according to a document obtained by 8 News Now.
A U.S. Department of Transportation document says Brightline West is seeking a $6 billion loan, raising the projected cost by nearly 40%.
A Brightline West spokesman would not immediately comment on the update.
U.S. officials said in June that Brightline West was "on schedule and on budget," according to a report on The Hill. But it's unclear whether Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy already knew about the impact on costs from increases for materials and labor. A trade publication, Railway Supply, reported the higher costs in February, but the report wasn't picked up in the national me