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High‑speed rail authority presents updated Merced‑to‑Bakersfield estimate; IG and LAO flag gaps and timetable risks
Summary
Authority CEO disclosed an updated cost range and reiterated a request for stable funding; the Inspector General and legislative analysts warned of a multimillion‑dollar funding gap, right‑of‑way and utility conflicts, and the need for securitization and clearer plans before further commitments.
California High Speed Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudhury told the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 that a recent reassessment of the Merced‑to‑Bakersfield initial operating segment returned a lower‑end cost near $34.9 billion and an upper‑end near $38.5 billion and that the authority seeks stable, predictable funding to finish the segment and attract private partners.
Choudhury said the authority is pursuing procurement reforms, direct commodity purchasing to reduce markups, and earlier utility relocations to reduce schedule risk. He said the authority has issued updated cost work and was preparing a restricted request for expressions of interest from private investors and concessionaires to explore private‑sector investment and revenue opportunities, including commercial development around stations.
Inspector General: focus on initial operating segment and right‑of‑way Ben Belknap, the authority’s newly‑installed Inspector General, told the committee his office prioritized oversight of the initial operating…
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