High-speed rail: independent review: High-Speed Rail Authority Inspector General.

The Safe, Reliable High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act for the 21st Century, approved by the voters as Proposition 1A at the November 4, 2008, general election, provides for the issuance of $9.95 billion in general obligation bonds for high-speed rail and related purposes. The California High-Speed Rail Act creates the High-Speed Rail Authority to develop and implement a high-speed train system in the state, with specified powers and duties. Existing law defines Phase 1 of the high-speed train system as the corridor of the high-speed train system between San Francisco Transbay Terminal and Los Angeles Union Station and Anaheim, and requires the authority to include information on Phase 1 as part of a biennial business plan, as provided. Existing law creates the High-Speed Rail Authority Office of the Inspector General and prohibits the office from being a subdivision of any other governmental entity. Existing law authorizes the High-Speed Rail Authority Inspector General to initiate audits and reviews related to the delivery of the high-speed rail project and the selection and oversight of contractors, as provided. Existing law imposes other duties and responsibilities on the inspector general relating to the oversight of the High-Speed Rail Authority. This bill would require the inspector general to conduct an independent review of the economic and financial justification for the high-speed rail project, including a review and assessment of a specified benefit-cost analysis submitted by the High-Speed Rail Authority to the United States Department of Transportation. The bill would also require the inspector general to conduct an independent review of the ability of the high-speed rail project to operate without subsidy before the Legislature recommits to the full Phase 1 system. The bill would require the inspector general to consult with industry experts for these reviews, as provided.