The cost of Brightline West’s high-speed rail project —connecting Las Vegas to Southern California—has surged to $21.05 billion, up from $16 billion earlier this year. To bridge the gap, the company has formally requested a $6 billion federal loan through the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing program, administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Here's what to know about the Brightline West project.

What is the RRIF loan program?

The RRIF program offers low-interest, long-term loans for major transportation projects deemed nationally significant. If approved, Brightline West’s loan would:

Replace a previously planned $6 billion bank facility

Offer better interest rates and longer repayment terms

Help cover the $5.5 billion increase in construction costs

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