Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement regarding today's announcement of the California High-Speed Rail Authority's Business Plan:
"Today's release of the California High-Speed Rail Authority Business Plan presents an upfront and thorough assessment that presents a clear path forward to achieving a world-class high-speed rail system and creating much-needed jobs.
"This business case lays the track for a profitable system with private-public partnerships and without ongoing operational subsidies after capital construction is completed. As California's population grows to 50 million people in the next 20 years, the report clearly shows the price of inaction far outweighs the cost of constructing this 21st century transportation system.
"High-speed rail will unite our state with a fast, clean, efficient and affordable transportation option that will spur jobs and commerce, reduce harmful emissions, and allow families more time together. California has received the largest amount of federal funding for high-speed rail of any state so far and I am committed to the work of fulfilling the promise of high-speed rail linking Los Angeles to San Francisco's Transbay Transit Center -- "the Grand Central Station of the West."