February 3, 2025
Mr. Ian Choudri
Chief Executive Officer
California High-Speed Rail Authority
770 L Street, Suite 620
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dear Mr. Choudri,
The day before Christmas Eve, your agency quietly withdrew its lawsuit against the federal administration over $4 billion in funding.
Given that the California High-Speed Rail Authority (HSR) faces an eye-popping $4 billion hole in its budget, I write to ask you for an updated budget.
To date, HSR has spent $15 billion in total, including $1.7 billion on professional marketing materials and consultants. The only completed segment so far is between the Kern-Tulare line and Shafter and has cost $1.2 billion for 22 miles of raised dirt; and 11 overpass structures. Zero feet of track have been laid.
Once promised to be completed for $34 billion, HSR’s budget has ballooned to $128 billion.
You testified before the Legislature last year that the Authority relied on this federal funding. Now, that the federal funding is no longer available, how will the Authority adjust its finances?
Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
ALEXANDRA M. MACEDO
Assemblywoman, 33rd District
###
Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo represents the 33rd Assembly District, which encompasses Tulare, Kings, and Fresno Counties.