Just when you thought the clouds were clearing to allow the long-awaited start of construction of California's first high-speed rail segment, a number of obstacles are conspiring to delay construction for some time.
Lawsuits have been settled, a builder has been selected, and just as it seemed that construction of California's high-speed rail system would begin this summer, Ralph Vartabedian and Dan Weikel throw water on the recent spate of good news.
"California's bullet train agency is facing a series of new regulatory and political problems that could jeopardize its July construction kickoff, which already has been delayed more than six months," the reporters say. "The new challenges are coming from a private railroad that controls a key right of way, a legislative committee delving into contracting issues and a powerful federal agency asserting authority over the project."
FULL STORY: California bullet train groundbreaking faces new obstacles
The Consultants Behind the CA High-Speed Rail Debacle
The state's high-speed rail project is billions of dollars over budget and years behind schedule. A major problem is that consultants have been running the show from the start, say critics.
Why the New Urbanist Visionary Who Coined 'TOD' Wants to Retire It
In a wide-ranging interview with Metropolis Magazine, CNU founding member Peter Calthorpe opines on China's planning process, the future of America's suburbs, CA high-speed rail, and why he would retire the term 'transit oriented development'.
Questions Mount About CA High-Speed Rail Builder Selection
As California rushes to begin building the first phase of its controversial high-speed rail project, the decision to select a builder based more on cost than technical competence is being scrutinized by state and federal lawmakers.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip
Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
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Custer County Colorado
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