Infra Insight Blog

Today, DesertXpress Enterprises, LLC (DXE), a group of private investors, received authority from the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) to construct and operate a 190-mile dedicated high-speed passenger rail line between Las Vegas, NV and Victorville, CA. Once the line is constructed, trains will operate at up to 150 miles per hour and provide an energy-efficient alternative to automobile travel on the I-15 corridor and air travel between these two areas of the country.

DXE requested that the STB grant authority to construct and operate this line under an expedited review process that allows for an exemption from certain statutory prior approval requirements. The STB granted DXE’s request, citing the many benefits of the project.

The STB found that the project will clearly promote the rail transportation policies set forth in the federal agency’s governing statute. By providing a passenger rail transportation option in this market and alleviating automobile congestion on the I-15 freeway, the project will reduce air pollution and overall fuel consumption. The proposed line also will alleviate constraints on the expansion of air travel in Southern California and is expected to have a multi-billion dollar beneficial impact on the economies of both Nevada and California.

The majority shareholder in DXE – The Marnell Companies – is an experienced architect and real estate developer with large-scale project development, construction and finance experience.