At a news conference Thursday morning at Union Station in Los Angeles with Republican members of the state legislature, Duffy said the project has been mismanaged and will continue to cost taxpayers billions of dollars with no definitive timeline for completion.
LOS ANGELES, CALIF FEBRUARY 20, 2025 Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy held a press conference at Union Station to talk about California High-Speed Rail priorities on Thursday, February 20, 2025. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Allen J. SchabenAmong the lawmakers present at the press conference were several who sent a letter to President Donald Trump last week encouraging himto review the project's funding. Mr. Trump - who earlier this month called California's high-speed rail project, "the worst-managed project" he's ever seen - also targeted the project during his first term, canceling nearly $1 billion in federal funding which was later restored and increased by the Biden administration to more than $4 billion.
It's estimated an additional $100 billion will be needed to complete the route from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Duffy's review is calling for a deeper look at whether $4 billion in federal funding, which was promised by the Biden administration, should remain committed to the proposed project.
The review will also investigate if the CHSRA has complied with agreements it has signed with the federal government regarding completion deadlines.
Protesters interrupt high-speed rail press conference
Much of the press conference was punctuated by shouting and chants from protesters and activists supporting the state's high-speed rail plans. Duffy told the protesters they should take their protests to Democratic lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Sec. Duffy and CA republicans announce a review of spending of the high speed rail project. This was the scene as a group of protesters yelled out “build the rail” during the announcement. #bullettrain @SpecNews1SoCal pic.twitter.com/XfYxeDlkMr
— Anna Albaryan (@Anna_Albaryan) February 20, 2025"If you want to go protest somewhere, if you want to shout at someone, go to the governor's mansion. Go talk to Democrats in the Legislature who have brought us this crappy project," said Duffy.
Duffy response to protest. pic.twitter.com/cmOMyVl4mC
— Anna Albaryan (@Anna_Albaryan) February 20, 2025High-speed rail's progress, economic impact
"No state in America is closer to launching high-speed rail than California," said Newsom in a prepared statement last month. "We're moving into the track-laying phase, completing structures for key segments, and laying the groundwork for a high-speed rail network."
On Thursday to coincide with Duffy's announcement of the high-speed rail funding review, Silicon Valley state Sen. Dave Cortese introduced a bill to commission a study on commercial and residential development opportunities along the high-speed rail corridor.
Artist's rendering of California High-Speed Rail segment through Pacheco Pass east of Gilroy. California High-Speed Rail Authority"Every dollar of the project is accounted for and has been thoroughly reviewed by the independent Office of the Inspector General, said Cortese in a prepared statement. "The OIG's sole focus is improving oversight and accountability of the California high-speed rail project by conducting independent, objective reviews and investigations of the High-Speed Rail Authority's planning, delivery, and operation."
A poll this month conducted by Emerson College found that 54% of Californians say the high-speed rail project is a good use of state funds.
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