High-Speed Rail Hearing with Rich Gordon

[Press Release]

(PALO ALTO, CALIF.) – As Chair of the Budget Subcommittee that oversees Resources and Transportation agencies (Budget Sub-3), Assemblyman Rich Gordon (Menlo Park) will lead a hearing and public discussion on High-Speed Rail in California in Palo Alto on Tuesday, November 15. 

Primarily focusing on the newly-released Draft Business Plan, the hearing will serve as a forum for the California High Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) to present the business plan, receive public input, and identify key areas of concern that may require further analysis.

“I find the business plan comprehensive, but there are still questions that remain unanswered – including how the Authority plans to pay for the nearly $100 billion project,” said Assemblyman Rich Gordon.  “Myriad concerns have been relayed by residents locally and across the State, and I look forward to their comments and the Authority’s presentation at next week’s hearing.”

The Draft Business Plan released on November 1 revealed the new projected cost of the San Francisco to Los Angeles high-speed rail line rising to $98.5 billion with a completion date of 2033.

CHSRA member Jim Hartnett will be attending the hearing and commented, “The Draft Business Plan is a very important document that deserves a fair hearing, close scrutiny and input. I look forward to that opportunity.”

Palo Alto-based community rail group, , also support Assemblyman Gordon for holding the public hearing in Palo Alto.

“CARRD strongly encourages the public to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to speak directly to legislators about the California High Speed Rail project,” said Nadia Naik, a spokeswoman for CARRD.  “The project is at a critical juncture and attendees can both hear testimony about how things are going and offer their own ideas and comments to lawmakers.”

Jim Wunderman, President & CEO of the Bay Area Council, commented, “It’s never too late for a fresh start, and the Authority’s business plan is just that.  It’s comprehensive, informative, and unshirking in its commitment to laying out the facts for all to see.  We appreciate the opportunity Assemblyman Gordon is providing for this first public vetting of the plan.”