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

Assemblymember Tangipa's high-speed rail legislation requires the California High-Speed Rail Authority to develop a comprehensive funding strategy for the Merced to Bakersfield segment as part of its May 2026 business plan. The required funding analysis must detail current financial gaps, outline anticipated funding sources, and establish timelines for securing necessary resources to complete the segment.

The funding plan must evaluate potential project delays that could result from funding shortfalls and present options for resequencing work to minimize disruptions. The Authority must assess the likelihood of obtaining each proposed funding source, identify major risks to securing those funds, and develop mitigation strategies. Additionally, the plan must explore various scenarios for initiating service on the Merced to Bakersfield segment, including projected schedules and associated costs for each option.

This new requirement builds upon the Authority's existing obligations under the California High-Speed Rail Act, which mandates biennial business plans and project updates to the Legislature on the development and implementation of the state's high-speed rail system. The addition of detailed funding analysis requirements for the Merced to Bakersfield segment creates specific planning and reporting standards for this portion of the project.