Tulare Times

Lawmakers in California's Assembly Budget Subcommittee 4 have voiced concerns over the financial oversight and feasibility of the state's High-Speed Rail project. Central Valley Assemblywoman Alexandra M. Macedo has criticized Governor Newsom for continuing to support the project, which has been described as "over budget and behind schedule."

Assemblywoman Macedo proposes redirecting $1 billion of cap-and-trade funds, currently allocated to the High-Speed Rail project, towards wildfire prevention and water infrastructure. She remarked, "The State is facing a budget deficit. It is time for Governor Newsom to prioritize wildfire victims and residents of rural communities over the mismanaged High-Speed Rail."

Macedo has introduced Assembly Bill 267 intending to reallocate these funds. During a budget subcommittee hearing, an independent legislative analyst highlighted a $7 billion funding gap for the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment, a crucial part of the $35.2 billion endeavor. The High-Speed Rail Authority has yet to provide a plan to close this gap.

The California High-Speed Rail Authority is currently under scrutiny, with a report from the Office of the Inspector General revealing it has not completed a risk analysis necessary to evaluate the feasibility of the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment completion. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Transportation is investigating the Authority.

Originally approved in 2008 as a $34 billion project with a scheduled completion by 2020, promises of a fully funded San Francisco-to-Los Angeles route with federal and private sector contributions have not been met. Costs have now ballooned to $128 billion without a clear plan for completion.

Assemblywoman Macedo stated, “Voters have been hoodwinked by the High-Speed Rail Authority’s smoke and mirrors. The truth is: after 17 years and $13.7 billion spent, not a single foot of track has been laid. It is time to put taxpayers’ monies to better use.”

Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo represents California's 33rd Assembly District, including Tulare, Kings, and Fresno Counties.