Boring Company Considered for Amtrak's Multi-Billion Dollar Tunnel Project
The Boring Company (TBC), Elon Musk's tunneling venture, is reportedly in discussions with Amtrak and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regarding the Frederick Douglass Tunnel project, according to The New York Times.
The FRA is exploring whether TBC could reduce costs for the tunnel, which will connect Baltimore to Washington and Virginia. Initial cost projections were $6 billion, but estimates have now risen to $8.5 billion.
While TBC is among several companies being considered for a new engineering contract, the discussions raise concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Musk is involved in multiple ventures, including his role as President Trump's right-hand man and his oversight of DOGE. These commitments, along with reported resource cuts to regulatory agencies, as highlighted by TechCrunch, add to the scrutiny surrounding this potential partnership.
Potential Cost Savings and Conflicts of Interest
The FRA's interest in TBC stems from the potential for cost savings on this crucial infrastructure project. However, Musk's diverse roles and potential conflicts warrant careful consideration.
The involvement of The Boring Company in such a significant government project requires thorough vetting to ensure transparency and responsible allocation of public funds.
