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$96 Million Allocated So Far to Black-Owned Firms as High-Speed Rail Project Expands Jobs, Boost Local Economies

September 10, 2025

of "African American Firms Participating in California High-Speed Rail Project" The California High-Speed Rail Authority reports that 47 African American-owned firms are working on the state's high-speed rail project as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), representing 5. 2% ($96 million) of the $1. 136 billion allocated to minority firms.

Who is affected

  • African American-owned firms participating as DBEs in the high-speed rail project
  • 936 Certified Small businesses working on the project statewide
  • Other minority-owned firms (Asian Subcontinent, Asian-Pacific Islander, Native American, Hispanic/Latino)
  • Central Valley residents who make up most of the 15,600+ jobs created
  • Workers from disadvantaged communities targeted through the Community Benefits Agreement
  • Black and Brown communities represented in the project workforce
  • Professional workers of color in engineering and other specialized fields

What action is being taken

  • 47 African American-owned firms are participating in the high-speed rail project as DBEs
  • CHSRA is allocating funds to minority firms with $96 million going to Black-owned DBEs
  • Construction is ongoing on the 171-mile venture with up to 1,700 workers reporting to sites daily
  • The project is employing people from disadvantaged communities through its Community Benefits Agreement
  • Companies like Eco-Alpha are providing engineering and environmental services to the project
  • Labor unions are recruiting "second chancers," individuals from foster care, and those without college education

Why it matters

  • The project creates thousands of union jobs and economic opportunities for disadvantaged communities
  • It represents a significant infrastructure investment that connects communities across California
  • The project provides pathways for workers who have historically been excluded from good-paying careers
  • Small, disabled, disadvantaged, and diverse businesses are playing a major role in the statewide project
  • It addresses workforce equity issues by creating opportunities for minorities and disadvantaged populations
  • The project aims to build "a cleaner, more connected California" according to Senator Smallwood-Cuevas
  • It creates professional opportunities beyond labor jobs, including positions in engineering and environmental services

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint

$96 Million Allocated So Far to Black-Owned Firms as High-Speed Rail Project Expands Jobs, Boost Local Economies