User:Smallsalmon/Merced, California

The California High-Speed Rail will provide a clean transportation option for travel between the Bay Area, the Central Valley and Southern California, reduce both road and airport congestion, and stimulate economic development in the Central Valley. Critics of the project cite rising costs. Initially estimated in 2008 to cost $33 billion with service beginning in 2020, the cost of the project is approaching over $100 billion with an unknown date for when service will begin. Delays and raising costs have been attributed to design revisions, relocating underground utilities, environmental approvals, and embankment materials. The project is at risk of running out of funding before the 172-mile line between Merced to Bakersfield is completed.