CA AB289

Authorizes the Governor to appoint up to 6 additional exempt executive staff positions at the High-Speed Rail Authority upon recommendation of the executive director and subject to appropriation, including Chief Program Manager, Regional Director, Chief Financial Officer, and Director of Risk Management and Project Controls.

Requires the High-Speed Rail Authority to conduct a salary survey through independent outside advisers to establish compensation for the executive director and additional exempt staff, with salaries approved by the Department of Personnel Administration.

Directs $2.25 billion in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds to be used for planning, engineering, and capital costs of the high-speed rail system consistent with federal law and Section 185036.5 of the Public Utilities Code.

Deposits federal high-speed rail reimbursement funds from ARRA Title XII into the federal trust fund for high-speed rail purposes.

Makes PRIIA funds received in 2010-11 available for planning and engineering for the Merced to Sacramento, Los Angeles to San Diego, and Altamont Corridor corridors.