The central pacific railroad had to lay track in the mountainous region of the sierra nevadas, one of the most difficult endeavors of the entire enterprise. this will obviously take much more time than laying tracks on the flat plains. how does the government plan to compensate the companies for the laying of track over mountainous terrain?

The Central Pacific Railroad Company of  California are hereby authorized to construct a railroad and telegraph line from  the Pacific coast to the eastern boundaries of California, upon the same terms  and conditions in all respects [as are provided for the Union Pacific Railroad].  And the Central Pacific Railroad Company of California after  completing its road across said State, is authorized to continue the construction  of said railroad and telegraph through the Territories of the United States to the Missouri River. The terms and conditions provided in this act in relation  to the Union Pacific Railroad Company, until said roads shall meet and  connect.

south, because if you took a map you would see texas is directly in the middle of east and west, but it is also downwards towards mexico, therefore it is south