$96 Million Investment Fuels Growth of Black-Owned Businesses Amid High-Speed Rail Job Expansion

As of May 31, the latest figures from the California High-Speed Rail Authority indicate that 47 African American-owned enterprises are engaged in the project as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs). Overall, 936 Certified Small businesses are collaborating on the high-speed rail initiative statewide.The representation of Black-owned DBEs (5.2%) amounts to $96 million of the total $1.136 billion earmarked for minority enterprises so far.Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles), part of the California Legislative Black Caucus, asserts that this rail project exemplifies the investments California requires. “It fosters a cleaner, interconnected California while generating thousands of union jobs, necessitating equity for workers often overlooked,” she stated.Currently, 328 certified DBEs are involved in this multi-billion-dollar venture, markedly emphasizing the inclusion of small, disabled, disadvantaged, and diverse businesses crucial for building the high-speed rail infrastructure.