This allowed the state to access another $600 million in matching State Bond money. This influx of money will allow the original track plan to be extended by as much as 120 miles.
The Central Valley, chosen for the inexpensive land and construction costs, would see 22,000 new jobs for the next five years.
From the Bay Area News Group:
After coming under attack for approving a multibillion-dollar “train to nowhere,” California will spend an additional $1.2 billion to bring the line closer to “somewhere” — that is, from the outskirts of Fresno to an area near Bakersfield.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority board voted unanimously Monday to extend construction of the first segment of track across as many as 120 miles in the Central Valley at a cost of up to $5.5 billion.
Read the full article here.