The state of California has squandered billions of tax dollars and most of two decades of planning and construction in a failed attempt to build high-speed rail in California. We initially voted for it, so when do we, as taxpayers, say enough is enough and tell the governor and the Legislature to stop this wasteful embarrassment? We have endured years of misleading statements and broken promises.
As the federal government shutdown drags on, the Trump administration has doubled down on a tactic of dubious legality that it has been pursuing since January: cancelling federal funding for already congressionally approved projects in blue cities and states. Back in the summer, the administration pulled $4 billion from the California high speed rail project. It followed up a month later by withdrawing another $175 million from the project.
This funding agreement resolves all identified funding gaps for the Early Operating Segment in the Central Valley and opens the door for meaningful public-private engagement with the program,
Funding for a portion of California's high-speed rail was initially approved by voters in 2008. The project is now significantly delayed - and more expensive. The initial price tag was $33 billion. But according to estimates, it now could cost up to $128 billion to get it finished. A total of $87 billion of that would link Palmdale to Gilroy, south of San Jose. But as it stands, that portion wouldn't be ready until 2038.
This continues despite non-stop nonsensical attacks from elected officials in the Trump Administration and here in California that have somehow escalated in the past six months. 62% of California voters, including 80% of Democrats, support building the project. The poll also breaks down approval by age, showing that as voters get younger they are more likely to support the project. 79% of Gen Zers, 72% of Millennials, 56% of Gen Xers, and 48% of Baby Boomers want to see the rail line built.
The CEO of the California High Speed Rail Authority is optimistic about advancing rail extensions to Los Angeles and the Bay Area while developing the Central Valley segment.
