1/24/12 High-Speed Rail Continues to be a Viable Project Despite Latest Report
January 24th, 2012SACRAMENTO: Jim Earp, Executive Director, California Alliance for Jobs, issued the following statement in response to the State Auditor’s report on the High-Speed Rail Authority.
“The auditor brings up valid issues. We believe that with the changes Governor Brown has implemented at the High-Speed Rail Authority, he has already set the wheels in motion to address many of the issues raised by this audit.
Nothing in this report or any of the other criticisms raised so far remove the viability of high-speed rail in California.
The benefits of high-speed rail are clear. It will help move our population in the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly way. It will connect our economic centers, creating economic growth between regions that doesn’t exist today. High-speed rail will generate tens of thousands of jobs immediately, bring paychecks to many who are currently unemployed and will relieve our congested roadways.
High-speed rail must be part of our state’s vision. Our focus now should be on the best way to accomplish this critical transportation project.”
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The California Alliance for Jobs represents more than 2,000 heavy construction companies and 80,000 union construction workers from Kern County to the Oregon border. The Alliance advocates responsible investment in public infrastructure projects to help build a secure future for all Californians.