North Coast Reacts to High Speed Rail Line
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On Friday the plan to build a high speed rail line from San Francisco to Los Angeles got on track, but not everyone is on board with this project including 4th District Senator Doug LaMalfa. “We don't have the money and yet we're going to go out and seek much more money than what is already authorized by the bond,” the Republican Senator says.
The bill allows the Golden State to sell $4.5 billion in voter approved bonds. The money will pay for the construction of this bullet train. “Really most Californians at this point are not supportive of,” LaMalfa adds.
Most of the state may not agree, but here in Eureka the idea gets the green light.
“Mass transit is just... It makes sense solution to travel in the future,” says Dave Jessup, a visitor from Southern California.
Rian Preliner has lived in Eureka for many years and says, “I think it's a good idea I think it was a good idea 30 years ago.” So does Joe Lopez, “I think it's a wonderful thing. It'll save a lot of traffic.”
Robert Haynes, who is in charge of Public Art for the City of Eureka is also likes the idea of the bullet train.
“I’m totally in favor, should have been done years ago when we could truly afford it,” Haynes says.
In 2009 estimated cost for the project stood at $33 billion. Fast forward to 2012. “We’ve seen the price triple to 98 billion dollars by even conservative estimates by the rail people,” LaMalfa claims.
According to the California high-speed rail authority says the most recent price tag currently sits at $68 billion, “I think it's going to be higher than that,” the Senator says.
Senator LaMalfa adds he’s working on a new initiative, which will allow voters to choose again. Rail or no rail.
But for some, the answer is clear even though this bullet train will never reach the North Coast. “True no train can come up to Eureka... That's our problem,” Haynes quips.
Construction on the high-speed rail line should begin later this year.
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Kay Recede
kiemkayr@gmail.com
