Mo’ money, mo’ problems for California’s high-speed rail

By James Poulos | Cal Watchdog

Proponents of California’s much-ballyhooed high-speed rail got a big boost in the state’s new budget. But in every other area where the struggle for its fate is playing out, the project is facing an array of daunting roadblocks.

Thanks to Gov. Jerry Brown’s staunch support, Sacramento legislators agreed to divert $250 million of and-trade revenues toward train funding this year. For each subsequent year of the train’s construction, fully 25 percent of and-trade funds will be diverted. The sizable figure is actually a compromise — down from Brown’s wished-for 33 percent, up from legislators’ 15 percent.

at Cal Watchdog.