CA AR97

High-Speed Rail Authority released Draft 2020 Business Plan proposing to use approximately $5 billion in remaining available funding to construct a fully electrified high-speed passenger rail line between Merced and Bakersfield.

Draft 2020 Business Plan requires Legislature to appropriate $4.2 billion in remaining Proposition 1A bond funds, anticipated to be requested as part of the Budget Act of 2021.

Assembly asserts it has an active role in appropriating the $4.2 billion and must provide input before key decisions on the project's future direction.

High-Speed Rail Authority is directed to halt execution of track and systems contracts, train set procurement contracts, and right-of-way acquisition for Merced and Bakersfield extensions until the Assembly considers and approves the funding request.

Resolution expresses that the Assembly must have adequate time for oversight and consideration of all project alternatives without debate being prematurely stopped by actions planned for fall 2020.