CA High Speed rail. A shovel ready project. Just say no thanks!

Have you noticed that when you enter a bakery they often have small samples for you to taste. They surely offer free food samples at your neighborhood Costco.
That’s called Marketing 101.

So when we are drowning in red ink and govenor elect Jerry Brown finds himself inheriting a deeper budget hole than earlier projected, our two US Senators continue to press ahead for federal earmarks that will not help our status.

While we have received a few billion dollars to jump start a high speed rail system in California, a system that voters in Orange, San Diego and Riverside County all opposed (Nov 2008 Prop 1A), where are we going to get the balance of the $85 billion dollars to complete the 800 mile system?

This is to be a public/private venture. That said, show us the financial commitment for this voter approved dream before commencing this “shovel ready” project.

Just as the federal government spends a huge chunk of our annual revenue for debt service the state is in the same boat. Think about the $9 billion we have already committed. One major difference between Sacramento and DC. We cannot print money.
Following is a letter confirming Barbara Boxer and Diane Feinstein’s charging ahead with no concern for how we will pay for this system whose ridership projections are bogus and forecasted ticket costs that are a moving target.

“November 16, 2010

The Honorable Ray LaHood
Secretary
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20590

Dear Secretary LaHood:

It has come to our attention that several states plan to cancel their high-speed rail projects. We ask that you withdraw the Federal grants to these states and award the funds to states that have made a strong financial commitment to these very important infastructure projects.

California voters have committed over $9 billion in bonds to high-speed rail, putting our state in a unique position to advance this initiative quickly. Our state’s plan has widespread, bipartisan support because of the impressive potential for job growth, its impact on energy independence and its transformational role in how Californians move throughout the state. No other state is as ready, as able, or as determined to develop a high-speed rail system in the near future.

California stands ready to be a pioneering partner with the U.S. Department of Transportation. Awarding our state’s plan with these funds would have the greatest and most immediate impact in advancing the kind of high-speed rail system envisioned by both California and the Obama Administration.

Thank you for considering this request. We look forward to working with you on this matter.

Sincerely,

Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator”


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