LAS VEGAS -- The clogged tourist travel route between Southern California and Las Vegas has been designated as a federal high-speed rail corridor.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said the route is now part of the California rail corridor, a technical designation that endorses the viability of high-speed train travel in the region.

Officials said the designation also signals a possible future collaboration between California's proposed high-speed rail system and a separate project shuttling passengers between the two regions.

LaHood, U.S. Sen. Harry Reid and California Department of Transportation Director Will Kempton made the announcement in Las Vegas on Thursday.

Reid used the event to repeat his support for the DesertXpress train project. The electric train would run between Las Vegas and Victorville, Calif., at up to 150 mph.

After decades supporting the opposing Maglev train, Reid recently switched teams to support the DesertXpress. The alternative Maglev train would have linked Las Vegas to Anaheim.

“It's great to see President Obama, Secretary LaHood are committed to a high-speed rail in the region. We think it's a perfect way to connect southern California with southern Nevada,” said Neil Cummings, president of the American Magline Group.

Officials want to break ground on the DesertXpress the first quarter of next year.

The train is expected to be finished by 2012 and cost about $50 each way.