LAist: What does Prop 1a Mean for High Speed Rail?

Richard Rider

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:29:34 -0800

For a detailed, devastating debunking of this incredible HSR boondoggle -- a.k.a. Prop 1A -- go to the 196 page study of this issue just released in September, 2008 by the Reason Foundation: www.reason.org/ps370/ Fortunately at this same web page you'll find a readable summation of the study. If that's not enough, go to www.ti.org/antiplanner/?p=515 which summarizes the reasons why high speed rail makes no sense. There are many related articles on this website. There are so many, MANY reasons to vote down this insane measure. The fact that California is flat broke from current profligate spending and borrowing is only the latest additional reason to vote down Prop 1A.

fainelichfield

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:58:59 -0800

Place limits on spending, including the amount spent on studies and plans, administration and purchase of right of way. This bothers me. This stipulation alone could kill the project or make it an environmental nightmare. The problem is that it works the other way as well. Studies in particular could be outsourced. In responsible hands this would result in a timely, comprehensive report. Sometimes the money just goes to an unending money pit of studies stretched over a length of time. I'm not sure why there are limits on purchasing right of ways (assuming the people approached for purchasing can say "no"), but I wouldn't be surprised if there was some kind of precedent of wasteful spending. Public high-speed transportation has been something of an ongoing struggle for LA.

BingosDingo

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:32:59 -0800

> Place limits on spending, including the amount spent on studies and plans, administration and purchase of right of way. This bothers me. This stipulation alone could kill the project or make it an environmental nightmare.

fainelichfield

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:45:57 -0800

Given the current budget crisis, and perhaps the assumption that it ends soon, what is the likelihood of this project actually receiving the funding it needs? I see requirements for detailed plans and such, but sometimes bills get passed and then put on an infinite hold because the money for it was used elsewhere. Not that I mean to be a killjoy, of course...

manmademound

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:03:43 -0800

This is awesome and exciting! I hope this passes. Please vote for this California!