The California High Speed Rail project is required to be reviewed by an Independent Peer Review Committee as part of Prop 1A. This is an important safeguard in the bond measure.
The Peer Review Committee (http://www.cahsrprg.com/index.html) 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 said the following about the role of the 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.”
Reports
January 3, 2012 The Committee’s review of the California High Speed Rail Authority’s “Funding Plan” o can be viewed here. This was issued in accordance with state law 60 days after the submittal of a funding plan for initial construction. The funding plan can be viewed here.
August 25, 2011 The Peer Review Group has written a letter to Senator Simitian, Assembly member Gordon and Congresswoman Anna Eshoo regarding the feasibility of a “blended system” between Caltrain and High Speed Rail on the San Francisco Peninsula.
July 1, 2011 The Committee’s third report, addressed to State Senator Alan Lowenthal (in response to the May 2011 LAO report) on , can be viewed here.
May 2, 2011 The Committee’s second report, addressed to Mr. van Ark on, can be viewed here.
November 18, 2010 The Committee’s first report, issued on , can be viewed here.
Other reports and letters can be viewed at the Peer Review Committee’s website (http://www.cahsrprg.com/index.html).
Committee Members*
- Louis Thompson, Saratoga, former World Bank railways advisor, US DOT.
Expected to have experience with environmental planning.
Appointed in April, 2009.
Designated by the Secretary of the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency
- Will Kempton, Folsom, OCTA CEO, former Dir of Caltrans.
Expected to be a representative from agencies providing intercity commuter or passenger services in CA.
Appointed in April, 2009.
Designated by the Secretary of the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency
- Open.
Expected to be a representative from agencies providing intercity commuter or passenger services in CA.
Designated by the Secretary of the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency
- John Chalker, San Diego, member of CA Transportation Commission.
Expected to have experience in financial services.
Appointed in April, 2009.
Designated by the Director of the Department of Finance
- Frieder Seible, US DOT, UC San Diego Prof/Chair of Structural Eng’g.
Expected to have experience in the construction or operation of high-speed trains in Europe, Asia, or both.
Appointed in Nov, 2010.
Designated by the Treasurer
- Walter Bell.
Expected to have experience in the construction or operation of high-speed trains in Europe, Asia, or both.
Appointed in January, 2010.
Designated by the Treasurer (Bill Lockyer)
- Open
Experience in engineering and construction of high-speed trains
Designated by the Controller (John Chiang)
- Diane Eidam San Diego, Dep Exec Dir of SANDAG, Exec Dir CTC 2001-2005.
Appointed in March, 2010.
Expected to have experience in project finance.
Designated by the Controller (John Chiang)
These positions do not require Senate confirmation and there is no salary.