Biden administration announces largest passenger rail investment since Amtrak creation

Las Vegas, Nevada — President Biden on Friday is announcing $8.2 billion in new funding for 10 passenger rail projects nationwide, representing the largest federal investment in passenger rail transportation since Amtrak was created in 1971.  

Mr. Biden's trip to Nevada was originally planned to highlight the $3 billion federal investment in the high-speed rail line from Las Vegas to the greater Los Angeles area. But after the mass shooting Wednesday at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, that resulted in the deaths of three people, his stop there will take a more somber note.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the president will address the shooting in a speech to Las Vegas union members Friday, but it's not clear whether the president will visit the campus, which is just a few miles away.