(California) State analyst slams high-speed rail plans

[alp227]

Source: SF Chronicle

The High-Speed Rail Authority's recently revised plans still fall short, according to a new report from the state's independent legislative analyst, and could leave the state with nothing more than a useless 130-mile stretch of tracks in the Central Valley.

The report, released to the Assembly Transportation Committee Tuesday, says the overhauled draft business plan, and a financial plan to start construction late next year, fail to satisfy the requirements of Proposition 1A, the state bond measure voters approved in 2008, and offer a flimsy financial strategy that relies almost entirely on federal funding that probably won't arrive.

"As a result, it is highly uncertain if funding to complete the high-speed rail system will materialize," the report says.

Rachel Wall, a spokeswoman for the authority, said the agency believes it is in compliance with the law.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/12/01/BAKN1M69CU.DTL

[sakabatou]

1. Gah

XP

[NYC_SKP]

2. The state needs high speed rail badly, but this kind of progress faces a LOT of resistance.

We'll get there, I just hate the potholes along the way.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

3. There needs to be a cohesive plan and a viable business plan

Neither of which exist. What does exist is a voter initiative which authorized $$$

[demosincebirth]

4. If it happens, it'll be a boondoggle and a money pit...for sure.