Audit requested after high speed rail costs increase

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The latest analysis revealed the Valley portion of the high speed rail project now cost over 10-billion dollars -- 2.8 billion more than the last estimate two years ago.

Related: Cost climbs by $2.8 billion for California High Speed Rail

Fresno Assemblymember, Jim Patterson, says cost overruns add momentum to a requested audit.

Signs of progress on the high speed rail project can be found throughout Fresno and Madera Counties. However, concerns over rising costs and delays have led more state lawmakers to call for an audit.

Tuesday at the state capitol, Fresno Republican Assemblymember, Jim Patterson, will testify before the joint legislative audit committee.

Patterson has been joined by Democrats in requesting the financial review of the high speed rail project.

After hearing testimony members of the committee will vote on whether or not an audit is needed.

"I think we're getting to a place where we're going to have to look at an alternative to the big master plan that the authority has so far failed to deliver," Patterson said.

But High-Speed Rail Authority Chair, Dan Richard, said the project has already undergone state, federal and internal audits.

In a statement to Action News, Richard said, "This type of oversight is critical to public confidence in the program and we'll work cooperatively with the committee to fully address the issues that are raised."

If approved, the state auditor would begin work immediately.The California High Speed Rail Authority is updating its business plan which it will present to the legislature in a few months.