High-Speed Rail Authority: business plan: Merced to Bakersfield segment.

Assembly Member Tangipa's high-speed rail funding transparency measure would require the California High-Speed Rail Authority to develop a comprehensive financial strategy for completing the Merced to Bakersfield segment. The Authority's May 2026 business plan must include detailed analysis of funding gaps, timelines for securing necessary resources, and contingency options if anticipated funding sources fail to materialize.

The bill establishes specific requirements for the funding plan, including an itemized list of anticipated funding sources, projected timelines for receiving funds, and potential project delays associated with funding shortfalls. The Authority must assess the likelihood of securing each funding source while identifying major risks and mitigation strategies. The plan must also outline alternative funding options if primary sources prove unreliable. Notably, the bill prohibits including new federal funding expected before January 2029 in the financial projections.

To address potential construction delays, the Authority must develop multiple contingency scenarios for completing and utilizing the Merced to Bakersfield segment. Each alternative must include an assessment of its relative value to the state. This requirement aims to ensure project adaptability while maintaining transparency about possible outcomes if the segment faces significant timeline extensions.

The measure builds upon existing biennial reporting requirements for the High-Speed Rail Authority, adding new layers of financial planning and risk assessment specific to the Merced to Bakersfield portion. These enhanced reporting mandates would provide legislators and stakeholders with detailed insights into the segment's funding outlook and completion strategies.