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Rep. Costa Statement On Selection Of Starting Point For State’s High-Speed Rail Project

December 2, 2010

"Just as the interstate highway is longer than its first stretch of road, California's high-speed rail system will be greater than this initial segment."

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa released the following statement today after the California High-Speed Rail Authority's Board of Directors approved the starting point for the state's high-speed rail project in the Central Valley.

"The Board's approval sets the stage for our Valley to kick-off construction on our nation's first true high-speed rail system. Our region will benefit from the jobs the project will create and the Valley will serve as the heart of what will be an 800 mile system connecting Los Angeles and the Bay Area.

"Today's procedural decision is only the starting point. The Authority must look for ways to lower costs and extend the line as soon as possible. We must also remain focused on the projects ultimate goal: building a statewide system. Just as the interstate highway is longer than its first stretch of road, California's high-speed rail system will be greater than this initial segment.

"As the people of California know, building the state's high-speed rail project is a long-term process. The system will be built in phases and improvements will be made along the way. The Authority must work closely at the local, state and federal level, as well as with groups like agriculture to mitigate impacts of construction along the route. There is much more work to do and I look forward to moving this project forward."