But critics of the project said the federal analysis validates their concerns that the state will be saddled with multibillion-dollar unbudgeted costs for the foreseeable future. But the federal risk analysis showing a higher cost covers less work. The federal risk analysis explicitly makes clear that its estimates are based on the grant statement of work. Stuart Flashman, an attorney who has sued the rail authority to block the sale of bond funds, said the new federal cost estimates may be too low. “The high-speed rail authority is trying to muddy the waters so you can’t see what is going on,” Flashman said.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 17, 2017 13:00 UTC