Commentary

GAO Points Out Shortcomings of High Speed Rail Plans

The U.S. agency in charge of $8 billion in stimulus money for high-speed rail projects doesn’t have an adequate plan to oversee the projects, and the system of super-fast trains ultimately will cost much more than even the $8 billion, a government watchdog official told Congress on Tuesday.

The Federal Railroad Administration does not have a clear role other than to distribute the stimulus money, which states are competing fiercely to obtain, said Susan A. Fleming, director of infrastructure issues at the Government Accountability Office.

“In our view, it is more of a vision than a strategic plan,” Fleming said.

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