The California High-Speed Rail Authority just picked up a new federal grant for the project's first phase in the Central Valley. But that $300 million won't cover much ground.
Wall: "We're looking at approximately 20, 25 miles of really complicated track."
Why so complicated? First, says the Authority's Rachel Wall, the track itself is brand-new steel - able to support trains going more than 200 miles an hour. Second:
Wall: "There's a series of highways that interchange right there. So there are freight rail lines and highways that we do have to cross, relocate."
Harkey: "It's a very expensive train."
Critics like Republican Assemblywoman Diane Harkey say high-speed rail won't give taxpayers value for their dollars.
Harkey: "We can do things with rail. I'm not totally against rail. I am totally against this project due to the cost and the tremendous impacts on the future of California."
The Authority hopes to start construction next year.
