04/16/2009 GAAS:171:09 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Version |
Gov. Schwarzenegger Urges Federal Investment in California's High-Speed Rail
Schwarzenegger Administration Announces Appointments to High-Speed Rail Independent Peer Review Committee
In anticipation
of the Obama Administration unveiling its strategic plan for high-speed rail as
mandated in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act), Governor
Arnold Schwarzenegger today continued to urge significant federal investment in
California's high-speed rail system, the development of which is far ahead of
any other high-speed rail system in the nation.
"With more
than ten years of planning already completed and a commitment last November by
voters to issue nearly $10 billion of state bonds, California is once again
leading the nation as the first state to commence and fund high speed rail
development. On top of boosting demand for jobs at a time when we need it most,
federal investment in our high-speed rail system will help lay a sustainable foundation
for economic growth, help us meet our environmental goals and improve our
quality of life," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "We have already laid the
groundwork for high-speed rail in California and with a boost from our federal
partners, nearly 40 million Californians and millions of travelers from around
the world will be able to experience the reality of America's first high-speed
rail system."
The state formed
the California High Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) in 1996 and voters provided a
nearly $10 billion down payment for high-speed rail in California with the
passage of Proposition 1A last November. Over the last 10 years, the CHSRA has
conducted extensive studies to prepare for the implementation of high-speed
trains in California including detailed feasibility studies, environmental
impact reports and an implementation plan. Additionally, CHSRA is actively
pursuing a multi-track financing strategy for the planning, design and
construction phases of the project, including three tiers: state and local
funding, federal funding and public-private partnerships.
With the passage
of Proposition 1A voters also approved the formation of the California
High-Speed Rail Independent Peer Review Committee (Peer Review Committee) to
provide additional support to CHSRA's board and management in building out the
high-speed rail project. The Peer Review Committee was formed for the
purpose of reviewing the planning, engineering, financing and other elements of
the CHSRA's plans and issuing an analysis of the authority's financing plan,
including the funding plan required for each corridor. Governor Schwarzenegger
today announced four appointments from his Administration to the Peer Review
Committee.
"With this Peer
Review Committee, we are assuring our federal, local and public partners that
high-speed rail in California will be planned with foresight, built and
operated efficiently, and financed with accountability to the taxpayers," said
Governor Schwarzenegger.
The Peer Review
Committee includes eight members; three designated by the secretary of the
Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, one designated by the director of
the Department of Finance, two designated by the treasurer and two designated
by the controller.
The following
have been designated by Business, Transportation and Housing Agency Secretary
Dale Bonner:
Louis Thompson,
67, of Saratoga, has served as principal of Thompson, Galenson and Associates
since 2003, a consulting firm that works with public and commercial clients on railway
and transport issues. From 1986 to 2003, he worked for the World Bank where as
railways advisor, he reviewed rail plans around the globe. From 1978 to 1986,
he served as director of the Northeast Corridor Improvement Project for the
Federal Railroad Administration under the U.S. Department of Transportation
(DOT). Prior to that, Thompson worked for an economic consulting firm from 1973
to 1978, was a policy and budget analyst in the Office of the Secretary for the
U.S. DOT from 1968 to 1973 where he served as a member of the team that created
Amtrak, and was a project engineer for The Badger Company from 1965 to 1968.
Thompson is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the
Harvard Business School. He is a Democrat.
Will Kempton,
62, of Folsom, has served as director of the California Department of
Transportation (Caltrans) since Governor Schwarzenegger appointed him in 2004.
From 2003 to 2004, he served as the assistant city manager of the city of
Folsom and, from 1992 to 2002, he was a partner at Smith, Kempton & Watts,
a private public affairs consulting firm with a significant emphasis on major
infrastructure programs-particularly, transportation-related. Kempton also
previously served as executive director of the Santa Clara County Traffic
Authority from 1985 to 1992. Prior to that, he served in a number of positions
at Caltrans, including assistant director for legislative and congressional
affairs from 1980 to 1985. Kempton is a Democrat.
Eugene
Skoropowski, 64, of Dublin, has served as managing director for the Capitol
Corridor Joint Powers Authority since 1999. From 1991 to 1999, he served as
director of rail projects for the Fluor Corporation and, from 1982 to 1991, he
was assistant general manager for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation
Authority. Skoropowski previously served as chief railroad services officer for
the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority from 1977 to 1982. Prior to
that, he was a registered architect and partner for the Boston Architectural
Team, Incorporated from 1970 to 1977. Skoropowski is a member of the States for
Rail Passenger Coalition, Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce and the American
Public Transportation Association, where he also serves on the Association's
High Speed/Intercity Rail Committee. He previously served on the Intercity Rail
Working Group supporting the National Commission Study on Transportation Policy
& Investment submitted to Congress in 2008. Skoropowski is a Republican.
The following
has been designated by Department of Finance Director Michael Genest:
John Chalker,
58, of San Diego, has served as managing director and portfolio manager for the
LM Capital Group since 1995. From 1980 to 1995, Chalker served as vice
president and senior financial consultant for Merrill Lynch & Company.
Prior to that, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1972 to 1979. Chalker is a
member of the California Transportation Commission, San Diego World Trade
Center, Alliance in Support of Airport Progress in the 21st Century and the San
Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. Chalker is a Republican.
These positions
do not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary.
