California High-Speed Rail Authority institutes 'transparency' initiatives to ensure project schedule, budget and accountability

Last week, the California High Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) board instituted “sweeping organizational transparency and accountability measures” with the aim of ensuring that public investment in HSR is “delivered on budget and on time,” according to a prepared statement.

To that end, CHSRA created three standing committees:

• the Executive Administrative Committee, which includes CHSRA Chairman Curt Pringle, Judge Quentin Kopp and Director Fran Florez;
• the Operations Committee, which includes Directors Richard Katz, Rod Diridon Jr. and Russ Burns; and
• the Finance Committee, which includes Directors Tom Umberg, David Crane and Lynn Schenk.

“Our record for accountability continues to be spotless and with this action today, we will use every tool at our disposal to bring about renewed commitment and greater accountability and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely,” said Pringle, adding that the board plans to hold workshops to educate and inform the public on the high-speed system plans.

Other transparency measures include maintaining CHSRA’s Web site, posting all applications and other required documentation.