Members of a Congressional panel blasted California high-speed rail officials over the project's $64 billion price tag and the plan to fund it.
California Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa said at a hearing in San Francisco Monday that proceeds from a state environment program that is supposed to help fund the project were far below expectations and private funding for the train had yet to materialize.
Dan Richard, chairman of the rail authority's board, said private firms have expressed interest in the system, but want to see the first leg up and running. That leg between the Central Valley and Silicon Valley is currently under construction and slated to open in 2025.
The plan aims to eventually connect San Francisco with Los Angeles.
