With the recent economic slowdown and energy crisis, California legislators are looking to cut budget expenditures, and the state's high-speed rail plans is expected to be a target.
The future of a $26 billion high-speed rail project, which would link Sacramento, the Bay Area, Los Angeles and San Diego, is in jeopardy. To date, California lawmakers have allocated $5 million to fund three environmental reviews required for the project. Now the high-speed rail board is asking for an additional $14 million for the roposed 700-mile system. But with kyrocketing energy prices and a eclining economy, state lawmakers will e cutting at least $1.5 billion rom initial budget proposals. Some policy akers predict the cuts could each $6 billion in 2002-2003. High-speed rail supporters fear that the project will be cut back or dropped in order to save money. Some officials expect that a high-speed rail system will have to be built sooner or later to relieve airport and freeway congestion.
Thanks to California 2000 Project
Read the full story: PLANNING FOR HIGH SPEED RAIL UP IN THE AIR DUE TO ECONOMY
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Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
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University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
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