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FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - A high-speed obstruction strategy erstwhile promised to revolutionize question crossed California is present nether renewed scrutiny— this clip from some authorities lawmakers and the national government.
Assemblymember David Tangipa says it’s clip for answers. He’s introduced a measure aimed astatine protecting Central Valley communities and demanding accountability for however billions successful payer dollars person been spent.
“$15.7 cardinal spent connected high-speed obstruction and what bash we person to amusement for it? Concrete and rebar,” Tangipa said.
On Wednesday, national lawmakers announced they were halting aboriginal backing for the project, citing concerns astir oversight and progress.
“And present with the national authorities saying nary much wealth for a task that doesn’t look to beryllium completed,” Tangipa said.
So far, the task has outgo an estimated $15.7 billion, yet critics reason there’s small disposable advancement beyond the archetypal groundwork.
In a written statement, the California High-Speed Rail Authority pushed backmost against that criticism:
“We stay firmly committed to completing the nation’s archetypal existent high-speed obstruction strategy connecting the large colonisation centers successful the state.”
Henry Perea, a typical of the High-Speed Rail Authority, said the bureau is continuing with oregon without Washington’s support.
"Would it beryllium bully to beryllium a spouse with the national government? Of course,” Perea said. “But past tells america they’re much funny successful having governmental fights than getting things done. So we’re going to support moving forward.”
Congressman Jim Costa weighed successful arsenic well, stating that Congress, not the president, controls however infrastructure dollars are spent.
"Congress has the powerfulness of the purse strings, and it’s precise clear,” Costa said.
He acknowledged the ongoing hostility surrounding the obstruction project, but added:
"Big things are hard to do. They’ve ever been hard to do.”
The U.S. Secretary of Transportation has present opened an probe into however task funds person been used. For now, California leaders stay divided connected whether the high-speed obstruction task is making existent advancement oregon falling dangerously disconnected track.
