High-Speed Rail Authority Misleads on Failing Reality
Members of the Senate Transportation Committee held an oversight hearing yesterday to discuss the overhyped and over budget California High-Speed Rail. Major red flags indicate the High-Speed Rail is in serious jeopardy.
While the High-Speed Rail Authority’s Communications and Outreach website is full of descriptive videos, press conference posturing, and even a “Get the Facts: page, California Senate Republicans want Californians to know the truth and have outlined a list of faces versus myths about the High-Speed Rail.
A new report released earlier this month by the California High Speed Rail Authority revealed a shocking reality – the 171-mile segment from Merced to Bakersfield would now cost a whopping $33 billion – $10 billion more than the project’s budget from just last year. What makes matters even worse, this single segment now will cost more than the original estimate for the entire 500-mile system which was approved by voters in 2008.
“Why does the majority party keep tossing desperately needed dollars into this endless money pit?,” asked Senator Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks).“When the voters passed Proposition 1A in 2008, they thought they were approving the “Safe, Reliable High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act.” This project is not at all what voters approved; we’re looking at essentially a $100 billion amusement park ride from Bakersfield to Merced. It’s time for this state to defund the High-Speed Rail and use those funds to tackle other pressing infrastructure challenges such as water, flood control, or roads.”
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