The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has brought in The Boring Company, the tunneling enterprise established by Elon Musk, to provide expertise on a multibillion-dollar Amtrak infrastructure project, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Discussions between FRA officials and The Boring Company have centered on evaluating the costs and progress of the Frederick Douglass Tunnel initiative, a new tunnel being constructed along a heavily trafficked Amtrak corridor connecting Baltimore, Washington, and Virginia. While the initial budget for the project was estimated at $6 billion, current projections indicate the cost could rise to approximately $8.5 billion.
In recent meetings, representatives from the Department of Transportation, which oversees the FRA, engaged with The Boring Company’s team. They were informed that the tunneling firm may offer innovative methods to reduce expenses and enhance construction efficiency.
A spokesperson for the Department of Transportation confirmed that The Boring Company is among several firms being consulted as part of the process to award a new engineering contract. The spokesperson declined to disclose the identities of the other companies involved.
These developments have sparked debate over potential conflicts of interest involving Elon Musk, who manages multiple enterprises—including Tesla and SpaceX—while also serving as a key advisor to the federal government. Critics point to his simultaneous leadership roles and his involvement with initiatives aimed at streamlining government agencies that regulate his businesses.
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