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High-speed rail project criticized again after $3.5B contract
The award covers design, materials and pre-construction work as critics cite delays, funding gaps and more than $100 billion in added costs.
- On Tuesday, the California High-Speed Rail Authority approved a $3.5 billion contract awarded to Kiewit, Stacy Witbeck and Herzog for track and electrical work, drawing immediate criticism over project transparency.
- California's high-speed rail project currently faces estimates of $126.2 billion, far exceeding the $9.95 billion bond voters approved in 2008, which Sen. Tony Strickland, R-Huntington Beach, called 'irresponsible.'
- The contract covers a 119-mile segment running through the Central Valley that will be electrified and ready for testing upon completion, though it will not begin passenger service until 2033.
- Approximately $118.1 million will fund design and pre-construction work, while High-Speed Rail Authority officials defended the decision citing expert competitive pricing despite board concerns about allocating $3.5 billion to one company.
- State Sen. Tony Strickland told The Center Square on Friday he believes the state should 'pull the plug' on the project, arguing it lacks funding to be built as proposed almost 20 years ago.
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Total News Sources48
Leaning Left4Leaning Right14Center11Last UpdatedBias Distribution48% Right
Bias Distribution
- 48% of the sources lean Right
48% Right
14%
C 38%
R 48%
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