It's an interesting interpretation/spin that they've given and maybe some generic editorial license on how they interpret the discretionary grant provisions. The discretionary grants

When this passes, it's going to get very interesting on how the FRA sets up the requirements and eligibility requirements for these discretionary grant programs. There's going to be plenty of fun filled reading ahead in the Federal Register....

It is a bill, overall in how the funds are allocated by the various discretionary rail passenger categories and Amtrak, which appears to be decidely better news for projects like the Del Mar Bluffs relocation and for folks like Stacey at ACE, than for folks at the CAHSRA, despite this bit of high speed "spin" (without much detail and/or funding amounts).

It is important to note, that if the legislature refuses to provide the required State match for these Federal funds for the "runaway money train" the CAHSRA won't be "competing" for any of it. The sudden epiphany by the legislature, that they actually control the appropriations process and approve bond allocations, and that it need not be a "blank check" for the consultants and contractors at the "runaway money train", is already having some interesting impacts.