Which Way, L.A.?
High Speed Rail Takes Off in California, or Does It?
After the legislature agreed to allocate $8 billion in state and federal funds, the biggest public works project in state history might begin next year – or it might not.
By Warren Olney • • 52m ListenThe biggest public works project in California history might begin next year. Then again, it might not. Central Valley farmers are already in court challenging the first leg of the bullet train from LA to San Francisco. Polls show voters who approved it four years ago are against it now. But last week the legislature agreed to allocate $8 billion in state and federal funds for a project expected to total $68 billion. Where will the rest of the money come from? Will cities, counties and private land owners ever agree on which routes the track should follow? On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, is America ready for unmanned drones?
Banner image: Artist's rendering of one of the the high speed trains, courtesy of the California High Speed Rail Authority
In this episode
2 storiesWill California Really Get High Speed Rail?
The state legislature has given Governor Brown and President Obama a victory by approving $4.7 billion in bonds to begin building a bullet train from Los Angeles to San Francisco. That sewed up an additional $3.3 billion in federal money.
Read the story27 minIs America Ready for Unmanned Drones?
Unmanned drones include Predators and Reapers able to carry missiles and 500-pound bombs. The new Switchblade weighs six pounds all by itself, fits into a soldier's rucksack, and can take out a rooftop sniper without destroying the building he stands on. Drones small enough to fly inside buildings will be available soon.
Read the story25 min
