U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has released a report by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) highlighting significant issues with the California High-Speed Rail Authority's (CHSRA) high-speed rail project. The report finds that CHSRA is in default of its federal grant terms, citing mismanagement, delays, and financial shortfalls.
The report details nine key findings, including missed deadlines and overestimated ridership projections. Despite receiving approximately $6.9 billion in federal funding over 15 years, no high-speed track has been laid. Secretary Duffy said, "I promised the American people we would be good stewards of their hard-earned tax dollars. This report exposes a cold, hard truth: CHSRA has no viable path to complete this project on time or on budget."
The FRA's investigation involved site visits, risk analysis, and meetings with CHSRA officials. It found that CHSRA faces a $7 billion funding gap and lacks a credible plan to complete the Early Operating Segment (EOS) by 2033.
In 2008, the project was envisioned as an extensive system connecting major Californian cities but has since been reduced significantly. The FRA concluded that CHSRA's inability to deliver renders the project inconsistent with federal goals and may lead to grant termination.
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