We’ve occasionally given you updates on the bullet train in California that will carry passengers from San Francisco to L.A.

Here’s another one.

The Obama administration has given the first regulatory approval to move the contentious project forward. The Los Angeles Times has a full report here.

Honolulu, meanwhile, is also awaiting federal approval for its very own rail project. The city wants $1.55 billion in funding to help with the $5.26 billion price tag.

In case you missed it, Civil Beat reporter Michael Levine provided an update on that process earlier in the week.

—Nick Grube