Tulare Times

The High-Speed Rail Office of the Inspector General has released a report highlighting concerns about the California High Speed Rail Authority's plans for completing the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment. The report indicates that the authority "has not completed a risk analysis that would allow it better to determine whether its plan for completing the M-B (the Merced-to-Bakersfield) segment is realistic and achievable." Furthermore, it suggests, "It is increasingly unlikely that the Authority will complete the M-B segment."

In response to these findings, Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo from Tulare issued a statement emphasizing her stance on redirecting state priorities. She stated, "After 17 years, and $10.6 billion tax dollars spent on a route between a field in Madera and an orchard in Shafter, it is time to redirect the state’s priorities."

Macedo criticized what she views as wasteful spending by saying, "The Inspector General only confirms the wasteful spending and broken promises by the High Speed Rail Authority." She stressed that Central Valley residents have voiced their preference for water infrastructure over high-speed rail projects.

To address these concerns, Macedo introduced Assembly Bill 267 which aims to reallocate two billion dollars from high-speed rail funding towards wildfire prevention and water infrastructure projects. She highlighted the urgent need for improved water infrastructure in Central Valley communities: "The water infrastructure in the Central Valley is in dire need of moderation for farming and to accommodate growing communities."

She also pointed out past damages caused by wildfires: "Twenty-nine (29) lives lost. Over 15,000 structures destroyed causing $250 billion of damages. Californians need to be protected from wildfires, not build a train to an orchard."