They’ll have a little help from the federal government, too, of course. $3.2 billion worth. For now.
From The Associated Press:
The state Senate voted 21-16 on a party-line vote Friday after intense lobbying by Gov. Jerry Brown, Democratic leaders and labor groups.
The bill authorizes the state to begin selling $2.6 billion in voter-approved bonds to build an initial 130-miles stretch in the Central Valley. That would allow the state to collect about $3.2 billion in federal funding that could have been rescinded if lawmakers failed to act Friday.
Cue the celebratory tweets:
https://twitter.com/ticomotion/status/221382250644779008
YES! Now CA will see that high-speed trains is what we need!!! Approved funding for bullet train LA-SAN FRAN!! http://t.co/sOLFlIta
— Rachel Deanna (@DaSolo25) July 6, 2012
CA St Sen approves billions to build high speed rail. Kudos to the 21 senators with the vision to vote for jobs, clean air & progress.
— Rose Kapolczynski (@RoseKapol) July 6, 2012
Props for California all the way from Jersey. RT @calegray: Big day for high-speed rail in America. California gets it. #HSR
— Chris Megerian (@ChrisMegerian) July 6, 2012
One giant step! All aboard: #California approves high-speed rail project after years of debate – San Jose Mercury News http://t.co/Aj3VYADq
— Collin (@huygigh) July 6, 2012
All aboard, indeed. All aboard the Pain Train.
“@edshow: BREAKING: AP reports California state Senate approves high speed rail project” Waste!
— Brent (@brento76) July 6, 2012
So wrong I don't know where to begin. State Senate says full steam ahead for #high-speed rail http://t.co/t24tzHod via @kpcc
— Johnny (@WhatsaUte) July 6, 2012
California Legislature approves billions of dollars for high-speed rail http://t.co/rj8J6Cyb FUCK THAT SMH
— family juelz (@imjuelz) July 6, 2012
https://twitter.com/otterbop/status/221388527827566592
https://twitter.com/JessaNaomi/status/221388483145646081
https://twitter.com/SighWTF/status/221388178035191808
If anybody hears yelling, no worries just my wife expressing her opinion on #CA and the high-speed rail.
— Richard J Dadamo (@DickDadamo) July 6, 2012
https://twitter.com/drinksonant/status/221383406368464896
https://twitter.com/mmckinnon51/status/221380852624523264
What are the odds that this project will come in at or below the proposed budget? With a predicted cost of $68 billion, does it even matter?
Why is California building high speed rail? Texas complained that businesses & jobs weren't moving to Texas fast enough. #tcot #tlot
— Aaron V (@PoliticsOfFear) July 6, 2012
Great job, California. While you’re working on your fancy bullet train, you may just derail yourself.
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