Assemblyman Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, has joined Assemblywoman Diane Harkey, R-Dana Point, in her request for an audit of the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s oversight and management of private contractors for the initial 29 mile segment that is scheduled to start construction in July 2013.
“When voters approved the High-Speed Rail project in 2008, they were told it would cost a fraction of what is now projected. While I still oppose the project, we must ensure the High-Speed Rail authority is spending money effectively and efficiently,” Wilk said.
When voters approved the measure in 2008, the total cost of the project was estimated to be $36 billion. The cost of the project may now exceed $68.5 billion. This figure was reduced by $30 billion because of the Authority’s new proposal to share existing tracks with local transit in both the Bay Area and Southern California. Sharing these tracks would force the trains to slow down and they would not meet the speeds that are required by the 2008 ballot measure.
The State Auditor raised troubling concerns in two previously issued reports. They described the Authority’s weak management infrastructure, inadequate oversight capabilities, poor contract management and overreliance on private contractors. Ensuring that the Authority has the proper policies, protocols and resources in place prior to the scheduled July 2013 ground breaking is critical for protecting passenger safety and controlling the project costs.
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Wilk represents the 38th Assembly District, which includes Simi Valley, the northern section of the San Fernando Valley and most of the Santa Clarita Valley.
Wilk Calls for Audit of High-Speed Rail Agency
