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Silicon Valley sounds off on high-speed California rail in public meeting
Will the new plan for high-speed rail in California lead to an earlier completion date?
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California High Speed Rail Authority
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Silicon Valley sounds off on high-speed California rail in public meeting
California’s high-speed rail project pulls into Silicon Valley tonight. That’s where lawmakers, experts and future passengers will get their chance to weigh in on the $98 billion bullet train proposal.
Three state senators have booked a 600-seat auditorium in Mountain View in anticipation of a big turnout. About 100 supporters of high-speed rail — labor leaders who like the jobs it could generate — have said they’ll rally before the meeting.
The Rail Authority’s new chair, Dan Richard, is expected to kick off the hearing with a sneak peak of the final business plan for the bullet train. It’s due out within three weeks.
Critics will also testify, like former Caltrans Chief Will Kempton. He heads a rail peer review group, and he wants lawmakers to refuse a request for nearly $3 billion in bond funds to pay for the first leg of the bullet train network.
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Also on the docket: economists from the Legislative Analyst's Office who’ll explain why they think California should slow down rail and find a better way to pay for it.
Then, the public will get their chance — and the hearing could go well past midnight.
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We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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