California's high-speed rail plan has been criticized by President Trump for being 'the worst-managed project' he has encountered, citing significant cost overruns. In reaction, the California High-Speed Rail Authority defended itself by highlighting ongoing construction achievements, particularly in the Central Valley, claiming the project has created over $22 billion in economic benefits from the $13 billion spent, mainly funded state-level. However, the project is experiencing significant delays, with the completion timeline pushed back from 2020 to possibly between 2030 and 2033, and facing challenges securing remaining funding, amid calls for private investment.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority highlighted their construction progress, stating, ‘Ignore the noise. We're busy building,’ amidst President Trump’s criticisms about cost overruns.
Although the budget has ballooned to roughly $100 billion over the original estimate, the authority claims that expenditures have created over $22 billion in economic impact.
Despite ongoing timeline and funding challenges, the rail authority maintains that every dollar is accounted for and has been reviewed by the independent Office of the Inspector General.
The authority expects the 171-mile stretch between Merced and Bakersfield to be completed between 2030 and 2033, significantly delayed from the original 2020 completion date.
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