Sacramento Standard

Senator Shannon Grove, representing Bakersfield, joined U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy at Los Angeles Union Station to address concerns about the management of California's High-Speed Rail project. The visit aimed to initiate a compliance review of the $4 billion in federal funds allocated to this project.

The project's completion date has been delayed indefinitely from its original target of 2020, and costs have increased significantly from $34 billion to $128 billion. Despite initial promises that 20% of funding would come from private sources, taxpayers are currently covering all expenses.

So far, $13.7 billion has been spent on the project, with $1.6 billion used for marketing materials and consultants. The only completed segment cost $1.4 billion for 22 miles of raised dirt and 11 overpass structures but lacks any track.

"We appreciate Secretary Duffy's attention to this blatant example of government waste and mismanagement," stated Senator Shannon Grove. She emphasized that Californians were misled about the project's cost and timeline and urged a reassessment of state priorities toward essential needs like wildfire protection and water infrastructure.

Last week, Senator Grove and colleagues requested an audit on high-speed rail funding through a letter to the White House. She expressed gratitude for Secretary Duffy’s swift response and his commitment to transparency regarding taxpayer funds in California. Senator Grove anticipates further investigation into the rail project as part of ensuring accountability.