Huff Gets Behind New California High-Speed Rail Plan

State Senator Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar) has issued a statement showing his support for the recently released new business plan from the California High-Speed Rail Authority. Huff’s support of the new plan cites what he believes to be a growing need for transportation investment as California’s population grows.

“Improved transportation infrastructure is critical to our state's future,” Huff said in a prepared statement. “Every demographic model shows the state's population continuing to grow, with no parallel investment to accommodate that growth in our transportation systems. High-Speed Rail is poised to fill a significant part of this need…”

The project, which could cost anywhere between $45 and $65 billion, has had its share of problems recently, running up against tight deadlines for securing necessary federal funding.

In an article originally appearing on the Huffington Post and later , journalist Matt Sledge pointed out one of the primary complaints about the project.

“If the project dies in a few years, critics have pointed out, the decision to build first in the Central Valley instead of near San Francisco or Los Angeles will be doubly regrettable, since the tracks will be good for nothing more than a "train to nowhere," or at best, a train from Merced to Bakersfield. They say that's a reason to stop the project now, before billions are wasted.”

But Huff, who represents Sierra Madre in the State Senate, believes the project may be getting back on track.

“This draft business plan appears to be a positive step in that direction to help frame the larger discussion about High-Speed Rail viability,” Huff said in the statement.

Huff serves as the Republican Vice Chair and is a member of the Senate Committee on Transportation and Housing. He represents the 29th Senate District covering portions of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino Counties.