FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Federal funding for California’s high-speed rail project has officially come to a full stop.

A project once pitched as the future of transportation is now facing its biggest setback yet.

Or as Congressman Kevin Kiley calls it, the train to nowhere.

Across the Central Valley, unfinished pillars and concrete foundations sit for miles, a silent reminder of a project years behind schedule and billions of dollars overbudget.

“This is fantastic news for American taxpayers and California taxpayers, as the high-speed rail project is considered the largest public infrastructure failure in United States history,” said Kiley.

A year ago, Congressman Kiley introduced legislation aimed at slashing federal funding.

And now that legislation has reached its destination.

“In an overwhelming bipartisan vote, the House passed this measure as part of an appropriations bill that will soon be signed into law,” said Kiley.

The project’s impact has derailed more than just state and federal budgets.

Along the planned rail corridor, businesses say construction has forced relocations, disrupted daily operations, and created long-term uncertainty, all while progress on the rail line remains stalled.

As the date to the finish line keeps slipping back, the cost keeps rising.

“It was supposed to be done in 2020, and yet now, in 2026, no track has been laid despite spending $18 billion,” said Kiley.

The estimated total cost has ballooned from $33 billion to $128 billion.

With this, Congressman Kiley hopes the funding can now change course and redirect taxpayer dollars to different projects.

“With the success of this legislation, our federal tax scholars in California can go where they’re needed when it comes to transportation, and that is to improve our failing roads, to alleviate traffic, and to actually improve the quality of life for Californians,” said Kiley.

Still, state officials say the high-speed rail is not entirely off the rails.

They have announced plans to seek private investors and developers to bring new partners on board by the summer of 2026.