Knowing that a $100 billion project stood a poor chance of passing muster in a budget-conscious state legislature, Gov. Jerry Brown shaved off $30 billion by using a "blended rail" strategy in the Bay Area and South Coast, i.e. sharing tracks.
Dan Smith and David Siders indicate what's in store for Monday's (April 2) meeting of the CA High-Speed Rail Authority in Fresno where the revised business plan will be released at the Southern Pacific Depot. The board meets on April 5 to "review and approve" the plan.
"The lower estimate is tied to a series of changes to the project, primarily by relying on existing rail lines in and around Los Angeles and the Bay Area." These changes "were suggested by rail officials weeks ago, including the "blended approach," in which existing tracks in urban areas would be upgraded and eventually used by high-speed rail." The cost to HSRA would be $1.5 billion, far less than had the authority built separate tracks.
"The plan now will rely on a high-speed line down the spine of the state – from Merced to the San Fernando Valley – with tie-ins to improved tracks in the Bay Area and Los Angeles.
Gov. Jerry Brown is expected to ask the Legislature to appropriate $2.3 billion (of the $10 billion) in rail bond funds (approved by voters in 2008) within weeks. This week, he told reporters he spent "several hours" on the project changes."
"We are striving mightily to get a plan that can pass muster and work, and get the train built," Brown said.
Thanks to David McCoard
FULL STORY: Gov. Jerry Brown to change high-speed rail plan, lower cost by $30 billion
CA HSR Plan Approved. Next Stop: The Legislature
The Authority approved the $68 billion plan. Now the hard work begins in convincing the state legislature to sign off in order to capture the $3.5 billion allocated by the feds and begin construction from the Central Valley to the San Fernando Valley
New CA HSR Estimates: Double the Cost, Twice As Long To Build
According to preliminary reports on the new business plan, the California High Speed Rail Authority's new estimate for the 800-mile system will be $98.5 billion - initially pegged at $43 billion, and will take an additional 13 years to build.
Starpower Hired to Design California High-Speed Rail Station
The planning, engineering, and design team will develop the first four Central Valley stations on the train line.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Wind Energy on the Rise Despite Federal Policy Reversal
The Trump administration is revoking federal support for renewable energy, but demand for new projects continues unabated.
Passengers Flock to Caltrain After Electrification
The new electric trains are running faster and more reliably, leading to strong ridership growth on the Bay Area rail system.
Texas Churches Rally Behind ‘Yes in God’s Back Yard’ Legislation
Religious leaders want the state to reduce zoning regulations to streamline leasing church-owned land to housing developers.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service