So what exactly is California doing with that $2 billion, and who's making sure it won't be wasted on so many miles of track to nowhere?
"Unless they go forward on a step-by-step basis, there is a risk this money will not be well spent," said Emil Frankel, a former transportation expert in the administration of George W. Bush and now director of transportation policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, a Washington-D.C.-based think tank.
California Dreamin'
Officials at the California High Speed Rail Authority are confident the funding will come through.
The plan is to leverage $9 billion in bonds California voters recently approved for the project to win matching federal grants worth some $19 billion over the next several years. An additional $12 billion is expected from the private sector, basically up front investments from firms that build and maintain the train in exchange for long-term service contracts. If the first phase is successful, there are additional plans to expand service to Sacramento and San Diego.
The first phase is supposed to be finished by 2020, and cover its operating expenses once built.
"Clearly, there's some will for this," said Jeff Barker, deputy director of the rail authority, citing interest from corporate partners and voter support for the bonds. "It's not as risky a proposition as it was even two years ago."
Plenty of critics disagree.
Currenex Classic minimum deposit reduced
Broco has reduced twice the minimum deposit required to start trading via the Currenex Classic platform.
Within the terms of the special offer, in the period from March 15th till July 1st, 2010 everyone can start trading Forex via the Currenex Classic platform, with the required deposit of $5,000 (previously the minimum required deposit was $10,000).
Broco has reduced this required deposit amount in order to give our existing and prospective clients more trading opportunities. Now it is easier to start trading in 28 currency pairs using the Currenex Classic platform.
Please note: it is required to register a trading account and deposit $5,000 in order to start trading. Internal transfers between trading accounts are not acceptable within the terms of the special offer.
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