Pelosi: Track is Clear for California High-Speed Rail Development

Contact: Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after introduction of the California High-Speed Rail Revised Business Plan which shows the total cost reduced by nearly $30 billion, and 1 million job-years created by the project.

“Under the superb leadership of Chairman Dan Richard, it is clear that the Rail Authority has listened to the concerns of Californians and produced a high-speed rail plan for the future that is better, faster and cheaper.

“High-speed rail will transform journeys into commutes, uniting our state and ensuring our citizens can travel as fast as our innovative ideas. In addition to the 1 million jobs created across California, this project will offer a cheaper travel choice to consumers, improve the air we breathe, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil in a time of rising gas prices. As the report demonstrates, the cost of building for the future is far outweighed by the cost of doing nothing.

“By reducing the cost to taxpayers, speeding construction and respecting local communities with the blended system, the track is clear for California to lead the nation in development of a world-class high-speed rail system that creates jobs, promotes commerce and improves quality of life.”

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