Here is an update on what's under discussion regarding the high speed
train. The Visalia Times-Delta may not be the Wall Street Journal, but
this article does give you the present "buzz." To remind you, the
California High Speed Rail Authority proposes to build the single most
expensive infrastructure project on this planet, ever! With the
presently projected costs, they could buy every man, woman and child in
the state of California a Prius. Yet, reality tells us those cost
estimates will triple. It's not just a dumb idea; it's a dumb idea
economically as well as environmentally. Nobody ever acknowledges the
environmental impact of the construction process itself. In this case,
it will be staggering!

Martin
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Published Thursday, February 22, 2007, by the Visalia Times-Delta

Budget report: Decide now on high-speed rail
High-speed rail supporters still looking for funds

By Jake Henshaw
Sacramento Bureau

SACRAMENTO -- After spending nearly $50 million during more than a
decade of debate, it's time for the state to decide whether it wants
to build a high speed railroad, the Legislature's top analyst said
Wednesday.

Legislative Analyst Elizabeth Hill said in her annual review of the
governor's proposed budget that it's "time to bite the bullet for the
bullet train."

Gov. Arnold Schwarz-enegger has recommended postponing indefinitely
a vote on a $10 billion bond to begin construction of the nearly
$40 billion project and only recommended $1.2 million for High Speed
Rail Authority next year.

"This would essentially end the project unless another source of
funding is provided," Hill wrote in her report.

But High Speed Rail Authority chairman Quentin Kopp said he's not
"plunged into despair" by the governor's proposals and noted that
Hill only makes recommendations for action by lawmakers, among whom
he said there is key support.

"[Hill] is an estimable legislative analyst," Kopp said, "but she
is not a policymaker."

Kopp, a former senator and retired judge, also noted that the
governor recently appointed former legislator and current Anaheim
Mayor Curt Pringle and longtime close Schwarzenegger associate and
financial expert David Crane to the rail authority board.

"We've got some heavyweights," Kopp said, when the newcomers are
combined with some existing members on the nine-member board.

At issue is a proposed 700-mile system with trains traveling more
than 200 mph through the San Joaquin Valley between Northern and
Southern California.

In a recent interview, Schwarzenegger said that he "absolutely"
sees a future for the bullet train, but explained that it isn't a
high enough priority for limited transportation funds to relieve
congestion in the near future.

He said transportation, education, water and other major public
works needs might add up to as much as $500 billion.

"To be realistic, we can't go to the people with $500 billion" in
bonds, Schwarzenegger said. "That's why I stress public-private
partnerships ... We have to realize the big money is out in the
private sector right now."

Kopp said he hasn't had any conversations with the governor about
the future of his agency or high-speed rail.

He added, however, that Crane is "deeply interested in private
financing," and that the project's financial plan, which is being
updated, calls for 25 percent to 50 percent of the project's cost
to be privately financed.

"But we are advised that will not be attractive unless and until the
risk is removed, and that means public bonding to begin construction
of the project," Kopp said.

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Martin Engel
1621 Stone Pine Lane
Menlo Park, CA 94025
650:323-1670
martinengel@earthlink.net
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