Report: High Speed Rail Project Facing Serious Concerns
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- A panel charged with reviewing plans for California's high-speed rail project says planners need to answer serious questions about the cost and business model before the Legislature approves construction.
In a new report, the California High-Speed Rail Authority Peer Review Group emphasizes the need for an updated business plan and more expertise at the agency.
The first phase of the $43 billion project is scheduled to start in September 2012 in the Central Valley. Critics want to start in Southern or Northern California in case the money runs out before the full system is finished.
Rail authority spokesman Jeffrey Barker said Friday that the agency is on track to answer all concerns in October as part of a new business plan.
Lawmakers must approve selling $10 billion in voter-approved bonds.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
