The California High-Speed Rail Authority has announced changes to its Board of Directors as the state’s rail programme moves from major civil construction towards track laying and rail systems delivery.
In a statement issued on 8 May, Authority Chief Executive Ian Choudri thanked outgoing Board Chair Tom Richards and Board Vice Chair Nancy Miller for their leadership during a key stage of the project’s development. He also welcomed the appointment of Steve Kawa and Jason Elliott to the Board by California Governor Gavin Newsom.
California High-Speed Rail
© State of California
Choudri acknowledged that Richards and Miller had helped guide the Authority through a period of construction and planning that positioned the programme for its next phase.
Ian Choudri, Authority CEO said:
As the California High-Speed Rail program transitions from major civil construction into track laying and rail system delivery, I want to thank Board Chair Tom Richards and Board Vice Chair Nancy Miller for their years of leadership and dedication to advancing the nation’s first true high-speed rail system. Their stewardship helped guide the Authority through a critical period of progress and positioned the program for the next phase of delivery and expansion.
I also welcome Governor Gavin Newsom’s appointments of Steve Kawa and Jason Elliott to the Board of Directors. I look forward to working with them as we continue advancing track laying, systems installation, electrification, and the expansion of California’s high-speed rail network connecting the state’s major population and economic centers via the Central Valley.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority will now continue work on track laying, systems installation, electrification and the expansion of the rail network linking California’s major population and economic centres through the Central Valley.
The project is ultimately designed to connect San Francisco with Los Angeles and Anaheim through a 494-mile network.
Currently, construction and advanced design activity continues between Merced and Bakersfield. More than 80 miles of guideway have been completed, alongside nearly 60 completed structures. A further 30 structures are under construction across Madera, Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties.
Meanwhile, 463 miles of the planned San Francisco to Los Angeles/Anaheim route have now received full environmental clearance, allowing construction to proceed.
Project officials also stated that the programme has generated nearly 16,700 construction jobs, with many positions filled by residents of California’s Central Valley. The Authority estimates the project has contributed almost 25 billion USD in economic activity across the state.
Last week, the Authority also proposed a revised approach to project delivery, with changes to construction sequencing, funding strategy and delivery timelines.