California Cancels High Speed Rail But Refuses To Give Back Federal Funds Earmarked For It

Yesterday, the U.S. Transportation Department released a statement saying that it would cancel $929 million in federal funds supplied by the Obama administration for a high-speed railway project in California.

The U.S. agency is currently “exploring every legal option” in order to get a return on the $2.5 billion already received by the state, as reported by Reuters. The initial goal was to complete the $77.3 billion 520-mile (826.8 km) project by the year 2033.

PUGPROUD - 2/20/2019 11:06:22 AM

+5 Boost

California legislators have no respect for federal government until the next earthquake or major forest fire. Shameful.

Agent009 - 2/20/2019 11:53:30 AM

+4 Boost

We dont need the fed until we need funds for something

MDarringer - 2/23/2019 4:57:57 PM

+1 Boost

@cyberlancer Trump IS your President.

dlin - 2/20/2019 12:19:16 PM

+5 Boost

No one needs high-speed railway in CA. Total waste of taxpayer's money
And as a CAn, I say give it back to Fed than spending on illegal welfare!

SanJoseDriver - 2/23/2019 2:25:33 AM

+1 Boost

Yeah, let's throw it away by building a wall that will add absolutely zero value and make us look like even bigger idiots internationally.

atc98092 - 2/20/2019 12:37:48 PM

+4 Boost

I am no fan of California, but from what I read they are just scaling back the project and the federal funds are earmarked for a portion that is still planned. I don't think the article is accurate.

zlives - 2/20/2019 3:06:55 PM

+4 Boost

the does not seem to have a problem collecting taxes from California though...
https://wallethub.com/edu/state-taxpayer-roi-report/3283/

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 2/20/2019 4:25:02 PM

+3 Boost

What would be interesting it to have the FANG group of companies that are located in California step up to the plate and work together to fund the whole project. This would be great for their staff and their customers and do more for them than just wasting $100B on a stock by-back to manipulate share prices in the short term.

SanJoseDriver - 2/23/2019 2:29:13 AM

+1 Boost

They should fund a next gen tech like a loop, hyperloop, or PRT system. The train as currently designed is inferior to even 40 year old Tokyo bullet line. Instead of aiming to hit the standards other countries have set, we should build the new status quo.

skytop - 2/20/2019 4:56:25 PM

+5 Boost

California liberals are just like desperately SPOILED child who is paid to do work but fails to act but keeps what was paid for the work. Juvenile dysfunctionality of an entire liberal state of selfish, self indulgent marxists.

SanJoseDriver - 2/23/2019 2:29:57 AM

+1 Boost

Check out the link zlives provided: https://wallethub.com/edu/state-taxpayer-roi-report/3283/

Sounds like we pay more than our fair share to the federal government and get very little in return.

supermoto - 2/20/2019 6:38:42 PM

+1 Boost

The federal governmand doesn't need to ask for the funds back. The plan is just to deduct the funds from future payments owed to CA (e.g. transportation funds). Then CA can try to sue and get the money, but that may take years.

Fine with me.

zlives - 2/20/2019 7:27:20 PM

+2 Boost

its a two way street

MDarringer - 2/20/2019 9:53:24 PM

-2 Boost

Newsome is looking for a showdown with Trump, but he is not smart enough to realize that his wish will only result in a Trump landslide in 2020. The Dumbocrats believe their own fake media. He and Kamala "mouth-pleaser" Harris are in for a rude awakening. The day after the win in 2020, I want Trump to declare martial law in California. THAT would be popcorn worthy.

SanJoseDriver - 2/23/2019 2:30:46 AM

+1 Boost

That's just dumb.

MDarringer - 2/23/2019 5:06:40 PM

+1 Boost

No. It actually solves a massive problem. California needs a b!tchslapping back into reality. I'd really like to know why Venezuela is the economic model the Fascist-Socialis-Communist Democrats seek to emulate. And YES the California DemonRat party is all three things simultaneously.

SanJoseDriver - 2/24/2019 11:32:50 PM

+1 Boost

California provides the Federal government far more than what it gets in return. We're probably subsidizing the state you live in, so don't get too cocky. I haven't considered myself a Democrat since I was 19, but the sheer stupidity of the current administration is definitely pushing me in that direction. There may be a major over-correction come 2020.