LOS ANGELES (KABC) — U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has asked for a compliance review of California’s controversial High Speed Rail project.
“We’re going to look at whether the California High Speed Rail Authority has actually complied with the agreements that they’ve signed with the federal government,” he said. “We can’t just say we’re going to give money and then not hold states accountable to how they spend that money.”
The project has faced numerous setbacks over the years, especially when it comes to the construction timeline and funding.
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump told reporters he plans on investigating the project himself. The president went on to call it one of the worst-managed projects he’s ever seen.
High speed rail authorities responded to Trump’s remarks on X, highlighting the progress made and the 14,000 jobs the project’s already created.
Much the construction that’s already been done is in the Central Valley.
According to the Los Angeles Times, roughly $13 billion has been spent on the project. The budget is roughly $100 billion more than the High-Speed Rail Authority’s original $33 billion estimate.
The project is expected to be completed by the 2028 Olympic games, which are set to be held in L.A.
This is a developing story. This article will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.
