FILE - This Dec. 6, 2017, file photo shows one of the elevated sections of the high-speed rail under construction in Fresno, Calif. An audit released by the State Auditor on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018, faults the High-Speed Rail Authority for starting construction of the project before it completed critical planning for what has grown to be a $77 billion bullet train. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, file)
Republished November 15, 2018 - 3:38 PM
Original Publication Date November 15, 2018 - 12:56 PM
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - State auditors say flawed decision-making and poor contract management contributed to billions of dollars in cost overruns and delays in building California's bullet train between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The audit released Thursday faults the High-Speed Rail Authority for starting limited construction in 2013 before it completed critical planning. That led to numerous contract changes, project delays and cost overruns in what is now projected to be a $77 billion project.
It cites more than $2 billion in contract changes in three active Central Valley projects, and delays that pushed back completion estimates from this year to 2022.
The board says it accepts auditors' recommendations.
The audit comes as Gov. Jerry Brown, a staunch supporter, prepares to give way to governor-elect Gavin Newsom, who has expressed mixed emotions.
News from © The Associated Press, 2018