The new estimates show a cost of nearly one-hundred billion dollars - more than double the original price tag - for the train that would eventually run from San Diego to the San Francisco Bay Area. High Speed Rail Authority member Dan Richard said alternatives could be more expensive.
“Those investments in mobility - if we don’t do high speed rail would require new airport gates, new runways, new roads,” said Richard. “They could cost up to one-hundred seventy billion dollars over the same time period.”
The High Speed Rail Authority assured it is committed to starting construction in the Central Valley late next year. Board members said their plans also include working with existing regional rail lines. Critics include GOP Senator Doug LaMalfa who said he would introduce a bill to have voters decide if they wish to continue with the project.
