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A reduced allocation of $20.7 million in the state budget toward the construction of a 700-mile high-speed train linking San Diego and the Bay Area will not derail the project, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) said Saturday.
The 2007-08 allocation is less than the $103 million requested by CHSRA and will restrict much of the engineering and design work that was slated to begin within the next year, CHSRA said in a statement.
“Despite the reduced funding for high-speed rail, I am very optimistic about our ability to sustain progress on this vital solution to California’s transportation crisis,” said Quentin Kopp, chairman of the board of the Authority.
Mr. Kopp says high-speed 220 mile per hour trains would alleviate gridlock and allow for quick and easy movement from one part of the state to another.
“The proposed $20.7 million budget will keep some essential activities funded,” said Mehdi Morshed, HSRA executive director.
He said the budget allows for an environmental analysis and preferred route in the Bay Area.
With the anticipated $3.5 million contribution from Orange County, the budget will keep engineering and environmental work going in the LA-Anaheim corridor, he said.
“And we will also continue the vital engineering and design work needed to receive the regulatory approvals to build the system,” he said.
“This project has great momentum and we will move the project forward responsibly and quickly so that voters can confidently approve the $9.95 billion bond next year,” said Mr. Morshed.
