California’s so-called “bullet” train is back in the news. Last week, the LA Times reported that the Union Pacific has thrown a snag for California’s propose plan. This does not appear to damage the prospects for the train in the not-so-distant future, but reflects an oversight by those charged with making the system a reality. Of larger significance was Congress’s veto-proof support to fund railroad projects nationwide. A recent bipartisan bill passed the House by a 311-104 vote authorizing funding for national passenger railroad service over the next five years. The House bill provides $350 million annually for high-speed rail projects through the year 2013. States and groups of states could apply for grants to build rail corridors served by trains that travel at least 110 mph. According to Quentin Kopp, chairman of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, “It’s a sign to voters in California of the [congressional] commitment to high-speed rail, and it contains at least the beginning of available funds.
In November, Californians will vote on a $9.95 billion bond measure that would help build the high-speed system connecting Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles and San Diego. California rail officials have estimated they might need upward of $40 billion to complete the planned high-speed rail project, and the state still will require federal funding for one-third of the total project cost. This bill should suggest to Californians that Congress is very interested in supporting our own high speed rail project, in fact the House included a $1.75 billion grant program designed to help high-speed rail get rolling nationwide.
This is a significant opportunity for California voters to add a much-needed environmentally-sustainable transportation alternative, one immune to the price changes associated with a volatile oil and gas market. Some of my long-time readers may question this perspective following my opposition to the subway-to-the-sea. However, the bullet train will be a boon to the California economy, does not pose the same immediate problems to local businesses, and offers Californians a real sustainable transportation alternative.
We just posted a link to your page under “selected blogs” – keep up the great work!
http://losangelestransportation.blogspot.com
The reason this will be a big week for high speed rail is that Gov. Schwarzenegger has indicated he may pull the initiative off the ballot unless AB 3034 is passed. The bill amends the original proposal, mostly to ensure that the state of California does not overextend itself financially.
The Assembly has already voted in favor by a margin of 60-3. The bill currently states that none of the bond money can be spent until at least matching funds from non-state sources have been secured, on a section-by-section basis.
However, passage requires a 2/3 majority in both houses. All amendments to theis November’s bond measures must be finalized by the end of the June.
A recent report to the Senate’s transportation committee contained a lot of constructive criticism of the California High Speed Rail Authority’s (CHSRA) work and approach to date. These relate mainly to closer oversight of the Authority going forward, refocusing its effort on securing private investment and, to construction phasing.
CHSRA has held fast to the original goal of a north-south link as the “starter line” and argues that operating profits from that will fund future spurs to San Diego and Sacramento, respectively. To that end, the Authority wants to prioritize tunnel construction because that is difficult and protracted in earthquake country.
The Senate report turns that on its head, arguing that construction should begin in bottleneck sections at the ends, specifically citing the SF peninsula and the LOSSAN corridor section between City of Industry and Fullerton. It also recommends that the HSR bond money be spent immediately as a regular public works effort to avoid further cost inflation, rather than wait for matching funds to materialize. It also recommends priority for the San Diego spur over crossing Tehachapi Pass.
The committee is chaired by Sen. Lowenthal (D-Long Beach). A senate debate on AB3034 has been scheduled for June 24, so expect a flurry of amendment proposals and some last minute negotiations with the Assembly to secure the majorities needed to let voters have their say.
More on http://cahsr.blogspot.com