Harkey Backs State Auditor Report on High-Speed Rail

Assemblywoman Diane Harkey (R-Dana Point) responded Tuesday to the state auditor's report on a proposed high-speed rail project:

“The State Auditor has confirmed what we already know about the state high-speed spending behemoth. The report is kind in stating the program’s funding situation has become ‘increasingly risky.’ The California High Speed Rail Authority contends that private investment will come once the Central Valley segment is built. But who will fund beyond the first 100 miles of un-electrified track, for which the authority states will cost over $6 billion is unknown. The funding from Washington has dried up, and the Authority has yet to make a compelling case on how to secure the remaining $80+ billion to complete Phase I.

“In addition the Auditor’s report clearly states, the Authority has not fully addressed questions about its ridership projections. Ridership is the driver of need as well as profitability, ticket price and whether or not a private investor will ever be interested.

“Unfortunately the information in today’s report is not new.  Similar questions and concerns have been raised before by the Auditor, the Legislative Analyst, Legislators, and staff . How many hundreds of pages must be generated before we pull the plug on this idea and begin using scarce state funds for real shovel-ready transportation jobs in our communities?

“The mountains of evidence accruing against this project, at a time when school funding and public safety is on the table for cutting and the Governor is asking for more taxes, should not be ignored.”

Harkey represents the 73rd Assembly District in the California Legislature.